Helen Nelson

Helen M. Nelson, 98, of Fergus Falls, formerly of rural Erhard, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls. She was born to John and Agnes (Wurzer) Koller on December 31, 1913 in Fingal, North Dakota. She was raised in Binghampton Township east of Fingal on the farm that was homesteaded by her grandparents, Michael and Marie Wurzer after they came to America from Geresdorf, Austria-Hungary. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fingal where she was baptized and confirmed. She attended Sunrise School, a one room country school near her home. She loved studying United States History and memorizing poetry. After completing 8th grade, she did waitress work and housekeeping at various homes in the Fingal area. Helen was married to Obert Nelson on October 30, 1937, by Rev. Edward Lippert at Fingal. Following their marriage, they resided at Lake Eunice near Detroit Lakes. It was there that their daughter Carol was born. From 1939 – 1943 they resided at rural Vining, MN, where Helen helped with the farming, was a stay at home mom, and housekeeper. Two more children were added to this union, a son, Clyde was born in 1940, and passed away shortly after birth, and a daughter, Caroline was born in 1942. During the war, Helen went to Bremerton, Washington and worked in the shipyards for part of a year. Their next move was to a farm they rented nine miles east of Erhard. Helen always worked very hard, helping with the field work, haying, growing a garden and canning, maintaining a household, and always being a devoted mother. In 1948 they purchased a “Phillips 66” gas station and country store five miles east of Erhard. For the next 27 years, Helen was instrumental in operating the store and gas station. They closed the store and station in 1975 but resided there until 1993 when her husband passed away. She moved to an apartment in Fergus Falls where she lived until moving to the Broen Home in 2005, where she remained until her death. Helen was a very independent person, never wanting to bother anyone with anything she could do herself. She was not one to complain and was always cheerful. In her younger years Helen loved to dance, especially the waltz and she taught several neighbor boys to dance at the Maplewood Town Hall. She loved music, embroidering, flowers, and having a few chickens to feed during the summer and especially having a rooster to crow in the morning. In her later years she loved her embroidery, listening to music, and visiting with her many friends at the apartments and the home. She was a kind and caring person and a friend to all. Preceding her in death were her husband, Obert, in 1993, her son, Clyde in 1940, son-in-law, Duane Nodsle in 2002, granddaughter-in-law, Marie Nelson in 1989, great-grandson, Matthew in 2001, her parents, John and Agnes Koller, sisters, Florence and Isabell in infancy, brother, John Koller, and sister, Mary Gann. Survivors include her daughters: Carol Nodsle of Dent, MN, and Caroline (Orrin) Berg of Fergus Falls; grandchildren: Ricky (Samantha) Nelson Sr. of Poplar Bluff, MO, Marty (Reitta) Berg of Fergus Falls, Lori (Keith) Lien of Fergus Falls, Monte (Jane) Berg of Fergus Falls, Dan (Pam) Nodsle of Dent, and Debbie (Pete) Hart of Pelican Rapids; great-grandchildren: Ricky Nelson Jr., Melissa (Davey) Catterlin, Ciara Nelson, Obert Nelson, Megan (Chuck) Schwantz, Preston (Susie) Berg, Zach (Katie) Hagedorn, Amber Hagedorn, Jordan Berg, Brianna Berg, Robbie (Steph) Thompson, Spencer Hart, Chelsey Hart, Ivan Nodsle, and Hunter Nodsle; great-great-grandchildren: Lillie, Lucas, Wyatt, Eden and Isaiah; a sister, Louise Schneekloth of Valley City, ND; a brother, Conrad (Jean) Koller of Roseville, CA; a sister-in-law, Shirley Nelson of Pelican Rapids; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the Broen Home. Service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at the Light & Life Auditorium of the Broen Home in Fergus Falls Clergy: Father Greg Paffel Interment: Maplewood Lutheran Cemetery, rural Erhard, Minnesota Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.