Elnor Gertrude (Olson) NELSON

NELSON, OLSON, PETERSON, OBRION, LEGVOLD, DAHLBERG, OTTERSTAD, SCHONBERGER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/2/2012 at 14:36:16

October 26, 1916 --- January 29, 2012

Elnor Gertrude Nelson (Olson), age 95, of Dixon, IL (formerly of St. Cloud, MN) died Sunday, Jan. 29. She was born Oct. 26, 1916 to Elmer and Gornelia Olson (Peterson) in rural Webster County, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 71 years, Rev. Clifford H. Nelson, her granddaughter, Ingrid Nelson, and two older sisters, Willetta O'Brion and Jodella Legvold. Elnor is survived by four children: David Nelson (Claudia) of Grand Detour, IL, Naomi Nelson (Philip Dahlberg) of Houston, TX, Eldon Nelson of Canyon Lake, TX; and Stephen Nelson (Maureen) of Park Ridge, IL. She is survived by her grandchildren: Erik (Opie) Otterstad (Buffy) of Austin, TX, Karl Nelson (Holly) of Elgin, IL, Kaitlin Nelson of Toronto, Ontario, and Benjamin Nelson of Park Ridge, Il, and great-grandchildren: Nicklas, Thomas, August, and Solveig Nelson, and Tristram Otterstad. Also surviving are siblings, Harriet Schonberger, Laurine Nelson, Elmer Olson Jr., and Willard Olson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Elnor graduated from Waldorf College in Forest City, IA and taught elementary school for a number of years in rural Iowa and St. Cloud, MN. She was an active member in her Lutheran congregations and a faithful supporter of the church's global mission. She will be remembered for her devoted love of her family and friends, her keen sense of fun and humor, her interest in Norwegian traditions, and her talents for folk painting, baking, entertaining, public speaking and writing. Elnor was the epitome of a faithful family member and friend who was treasured for her tender relationships with others, her warm hospitality, and her grateful spirit. Her death is a significant loss for all who knew and loved her.

Funeral service and burial will be held at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, rural Belmond, IA on Sat., Feb 4 at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will precede the service at 12:00 P.M. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial to honor Elnor's favorite church and mission organizations.

Jones Funeral Home - Dixon, Illinois
http://www.thejonesfh.com/ASIMAS/thejonesfh/obituaryDescription.jsp?domain_id=174&deceased_id=252505

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February 2, 2012
Fort Dodge Messenger -- Iowa

Elnor Gertrude Nelson (Olson), age 95, of Dixon, IL, died Sunday, Jan. 29. She was born Oct. 26, 1916 to Elmer and Gornelia Olson (Peterson) in rural Webster County, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 71 years, Rev. Clifford H. Nelson, a Belmond native. Elnor graduated from Eagle Grove High School before enrolling at Waldorf College in Forest City, IA. After graduation from Waldorf, she taught elementary school in rural Iowa before moving to other north-central states for most of her life. Elnor and Clifford returned to Harlan, Iowa for several years in the 1970's. Funeral service and burial will be held at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, rural Belmond, IA on Sat., Feb 4 at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will precede the service at 12:00 P.M. A reception will follow in the church hall. Arrangements by the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon, IL.