Mary I. Nelson

Mary Ilene Nelson, 65, Red Wing, died Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at Methodist Hospital, Rochester. She was born November 25, 1945 in St. Croix Falls, Wis., the daughter of Raymond W. and May R. (Abraham) Holmgren. She grew up on a farm in Almelund, and as an only child, she helped her father with many of farm chores. She attended St. Cloud State College, graduating in 1968 with a B. S. Degree in Elementary Education. She taught second grade in Hastings for four years. She then worked in the office at a retirement center in Solvang, CA. She returned to Minnesota, moving to Red Wing in February, 1973. On April 23, 1977 she married Jerry Nelson at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She worked as a secretary for 35 years at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, First Lutheran Church, and retiring in June of 2009 from United Lutheran Church. She was a member of United Lutheran Church and she enjoyed reading, genealogy and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Jerry; two daughters: Jana Erickson of Rochester and Kara Nelson of Red Wing; six grandchildren: Matthew Lundell, Haley Schmitt, Jacob Schmitt, Bryanna Schmitt, Kya Schmitt and Gunnar Erickson; one sister-in-law, Tracy Nelson of Edina and two nephews, Cole and Chase Nelson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother-in-law, Dale Nelson.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2011 at United Lutheran Church with Reverend Randall Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 - 8 p.m. Friday at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to United Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.