Jeannie Marie Nelson, 89, of Thief River Falls, MN , passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.
Per Jeannie’s request there will be a private family service held.
Jeannie Marie Nelson was born on April 3, 1935 to Signe and Russell Nelson at Mercy Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN. She was baptized in the home of her grandparents, Inga and Peder Sabo in Goodridge, MN and confirmed at Rindal Lutheran Church, Viking, MN. She attended Busy Bee School in New Solum Township for one year, followed by Willowdale Country School grades 2-6 where her teacher was her beloved mother. She continued her education grades 7-8 in Holt MN and went on to Lincoln Senior High School where she graduated in 1953. While attending high school she played the trumpet, took piano lessons and sang in church. Her love of music stayed with her for the rest of her life. After high school Jeannie worked as a nurse’s aid at Mercy and St. Luke’s hospitals in Thief River Falls. She was then employed as a secretary by the Pennington Country Extension Office followed by Union State Bank in the installment loan department.
On January 1, 1956 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond Nelson, at Zion Lutheran Church, where they became lifelong members. They established their first home in Thief River Falls and welcomed their first child, Mary Jo. They moved to Minneapolis for a short time then returned to Thief River Falls where two more daughters were born: Wendy Rae in 1960 and Nancy Kay in 1962. Jeannie loved being a homemaker and mommy . She dedicated herself to her family and worked hard at creating a beautiful, warm and loving home. Once a week the house was filled with the delicious scent of baking and every night her girls were tucked into bed with fresh linens, jammies and kisses. She enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, gardening, sewing, ceramics, decorating and entertaining. The house was always filled with music, light and love!
When the girls were a bit older, Jeannie stepped out into the workforce again as one of the very first employees of DigiKey. She then went on to Falls Dakota Clinic where she spent 20 years as a scheduler in special procedures. She loved working with the doctors, patients and co-workers who became lifelong friends. In 1997 she retired to care for her father. After his passing, she and Ray spent their retirement years traveling to Nashville, TN Branson, MO and Norsk Høstfest in Minot, ND. They also enjoyed many local events and live music performances. And then there was the dancing! Jeannie and Ray spent many happy years dancing to Country and Old Time music and were member of the Eagles and TRF Polka Club. On their 25th wedding anniversary they traveled to Hawaii and on their 50th spent a wonderful family vacation in Marco Island, Florida. Jeannie loved visiting with dear friends, laughing, listening to music, doing word-search puzzles watching “Wheel” and Minnesota Wild hockey, and spending as much time as possible with her family, especially her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Left with fond and loving memories by her precious family: Children Mary Jo (Jeff) Langlie, Wendy Nelson, Nancy (Steve) Stadler. Grandchildren Brandon Langlie, Cainan (Shayla) Langlie, Lindsay (Jeremy) Thompson, Nick (Jolene) Stadler. Great-grandchildren Jaedyn, Saige, Kaleb, Abel, Maverick, Selah and Olivia. Also very special little sis Geraldine (Billie) Ryherd, sisters-in-law Diane Nelson, Barbara Nelson, Karolyn Nelson, brother-in-law Gordy (Lu) Nelson, several cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends and neighbors.
Preceded in death by her dear Ray, parents Signe and Russell Nelson, brother Robert E Nelson, nephew and godson Robert A Nelson, and nephew Ross Nelson.
A heartfelt thank you to Jeannie’s doctors who managed her care with amazing skill, love, and compassion:
Dr. Helia Farrokhzad, Dr. Khaled Rabadi and Dr. Anil Potti.
Jeannie loved people and was a loyal, caring and compassionate wife, mother and friend. We will remember her warm hugs, her beautiful smile and will always carry her in our hearts.
# Jeannie Marie Nelson, #