Elaine Margaret "Haapy" Nelson (1921-2007)

NELSON, HAAPANIEMI, TENHUNEN, BRYAN

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 9/14/2007 at 19:48:35

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Friday, September 14, 2007.

Feb. 16, 1921-Sept. 4, 2007

Elaine Margaret (Haapy) Nelson died Tuesday, Sept. 4, at Mary Greeley Medical Center. No services were held and the family was assisted in arrangements by Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care of Ames.

Elaine was born Feb. 16, 1921, in Virginia, Minn., to Isak and Mary (Tenhunen) Haapaniemi. She graduated from Virginia High School and received a degree in Home Economics from Iowa State University. Upon graduation, she taught in Waukesha, Wis. In 1944, she married her college sweetheart, Carl Nelson, in Mt. Home, Idaho. She continued to teach while he served in World War II. After the war, they returned to Ames where he earned a degree in chemical engineering from ISU. During this time, she taught in the Gilbert school district. his career took them to New Jersey, Maryland, Minnesota and Los Angeles, and for extended stays in Brazil, Greece, Iran, Scotland, and Indonesia.

During her lifetime, Elaine enjoyed traveling and learning about other cultures. She raised her two sons while living in many different countries. She spent time on creative needlework and weaving projects. She was an accomplished cook and gracious hostess. She participated in synchronized swimming as a young woman and continued to enjoy swimming for most of her life. She and Carl always had a dog, most adopted from shelters. Upon his retirement, they spent several years near Ely, Minn., before moving to Ames in 1988. For many years, they spent winters in South Padre Island, Texas. In January 2007, after the death of her husband, Elaine moved to Timberland Village in Story City.

She is survived by one son, Ron (Dianna) Nelson, of Ames; three grandchildren, Aaron Nelson, of Ames, Adria Nelson (Stacie Pierce), of San Francisco, and Karina (Curtis) Bryan, of Lander, Wyo.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; her husband, Carl; and one son, Gary Nelson.

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