Cara Jean Nelson Bredfeldt Mark passed away Jan. 29, 2011. She was born Oct. 7, 1932, the daughter of Vernon Leon and Rose Mary Magyar Nelson. She graduated from Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College. After raising a family and ending a marriage, she started life over and worked at Dillons Northgate store for the next 30 years. She loved to travel. Whether hot air ballooning in Australia, zip lining in Hawaii, snorkeling in the Bahamas, climbing Mayan ruins in Mexico, hunting antiques in London and Europe, kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, floating down the Danube, walking through Vatican City, searching for ancestors in Hungary or just marveling at the Eiffel Tower, each experience brought her excitement, joy and new knowledge. She's probably already planning her new garden and come springtime, she and Abby (her chihuahua) will be busy planting flowers and veggies. We guarantee there will be no more dandelions in heaven.


Surviving are her children: Greg, Denise, Claudia, Tim, Shirlene and their spouses; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Her family extends their deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the Bunco Girls (Elaine, Lana, Lori, Cora and Doris), Donna B, Barb S, Jeannine R and Aunt Connie, whose friendship, laughter and support through the years meant the world to Mom. And a warning to her girls (the chickens): Mom's in a place now where she can see which of you have been slackin' off laying eggs. Step it up or she'll send a note down and you'll be on the dinner table. She never had much patience for laziness or freeloaders.

Graveside services at Partridge Cemetery will be held later. Friends may sign her register book 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Monday or Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hutchinson Public Library, Hutchinson Animal Shelter or Hospice and Homecare of Reno County. Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a remembrance or condolence for her family.