Velma M.Nelson Pollock

Velma M. Nelson Pollock, 66, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at Stormont-Vail Hospital.

She was born June 4, 1946, in Lindsborg, KS, the daughter of Wesley E. and Frances C. (Stromberg) Nelson.

She graduated from Topeka West High School in 1964. Mrs. Pollock was in the insurance industry since 1969. In 1981 she was one of four founders of the IMA of Kansas. She retired as President of IMA of Kansas Inc. and Vice President of IMA Financial Group, Inc. She also assisted in the development of KaMMCO, Topeka.

Mrs. Pollock was an active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka where she had been a member since 1956. She served as church council member for three years and as President of the council for two years. She also served as Usher and Lector.

Mrs. Pollock was an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society and was a recipient of the Courage Award and Volunteer of the Year Award. She served as chair, co-chair and committee member of many of their fundraisers. In 1993, she became a member of the Shawnee County American Cancer Society's Council where she served as President for two years. In 2004, she was a Topeka Business Hall Of Fame Junior Achievement Laureate.

Velma married Ralph W. "Bill" Pollock on June 12, 1965 at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. He survives. Other survivors include, a sister, Charlotte E. (Samuel) Provo-Blenden, Topeka; a niece, Tina R. (William) Gannaway, Topeka; two nephews, Mark L. (Krista) Provo, Carlsbad, CA and Marty L. Provo, Chandler, AZ; two great-nieces, Maria Provo and Anne Provo; six great-nephews, Curtis Gannaway, Connor Gannaway, Foster Provo, Archer Provo, Cameron Provo and Alec Provo; brother-in-law, Edward J. (Leila) Pollock and family; and God children, Kelly Patton, Chad Irwin and Dea Polzin.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, July 7, 2012 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 731 SW Buchanan, Topeka, KS 66606. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Velma will lie in state after 3 p.m., Friday, at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, or American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604.