Barbara A. Nelson, age 68, of McHenry, died Thursday, December 25, 2014, at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

She was born June 9, 1946 in Chicago to Stanley and Lillian (Gierat) Golik. On Sept. 12, 1970, she married Robert W. Nelson at St. Hyacinth Church in Chicago. After their marriage, they resided in Chicago for seven years before moving to Sheffield, Illinois. They lived in Sheffield for three years before moving to McHenry.

Barbara was employed as an administrative assistant in stocks and bonds for Numora Securities. Later, she worked at Sunset Cartage in Crystal Lake and for Pioneer Center managing Johnsburg group homes. Currently, Barbara was the Deputy Clerk for the Village of McCullom Lake. Early in her career, Barbara also trained as a beautician, and kept her license current despite not working actively in the field.

Barbara was a member of The Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry, and was a member of American Legion Unit #491 in McHenry. She was a creative person and enjoyed doing ceramics and decorative art. Barbara also had the gift of being a very organized person.

Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Robert; a daughter, Beth Ratkowski; and a grand-daughter, Analyse Ratkowski.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Mary Alice ( the late Ronald) Ratkowski.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2014, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60050.

Visitation will resume from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass Tuesday at The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road, McHenry, IL 60050. The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

The cremation rite will be accorded privately.

For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, her family suggests memorials to either the American Cancer Society or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

For information, please call the funeral home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends may leave an on-line condolence message for her family.

Chicago Tribune:
Barbara A. Nelson nee Golik, age 68, of McHenry and formerly of Chicago, at rest December 25, 2014. Beloved wife of Robert W. Nelson. Loving mother of Beth Ratkowski; and cherished grandmother of Analyse Ratkowski. Resting at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60050. Visitation 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60050. Visitation 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday at The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road, McHenry, IL 60050. Funeral Mass 10 a.m. at the church. Interment private. Memorials to either American Cancer Society or to Wounded Warrior Project. INFO: 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com.