Vivian M. Nielsen

Vivian Marjorie Nielsen, 87, of Red Wing, died Sunday, March 8, 2009 at the Elim Care and Rehabilitation Center in Milaca. She was born February 27, 1922 in Joel, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Elsie (Hoisington) Baez. Her family moved to Minnesota and she attended schools in Zumbrota and Red Wing. As a young woman, she began working at Red Wing Pottery and later worked at Josten's. She married Elmer "Dutch" Mallon in 1941, and they later divorced. In 1967 she married Herbert Ellefson and he died in 1979. After working at Josten's for over 20 years, she retired in the late 1980's. On May 30, 1990, she married Robert Nielsen. Robert died on May 8, 2003. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and had been a part of the its quilting group, and she and Robert had been involved with the Sons of Norway. In her younger years, she enjoyed ice skating, and throughout her life she enjoyed dancing. She is survived by her 3 children, James (Renee) Mallon of Red Wing, Pat (Andy) Dodge of Farmington and Dean (Becky) Ellefson of Milaca; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 3 siblings, Murlene Krier and Eleanor Knudsen both of Red Wing and Lyle (Carla) Baez of Madison, Wisc.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; an infant sister, and an infant granddaughter.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Dana Walker, Lisa Nystuen, Wade Mallon, Chris Ratzlaff, Mike Dodge, Tonia Mitchell and Tristen and Erin Ellefson. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church