Joyce Nelson

Joyce Dorraine Nelson, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, May 3, 2010, surrounded by her family and under the care of hospice staff at the Lakeland Hospice House in Fergus Falls.  She was born in Minneota, Minnesota, the daughter of Walter and Lillian (Helgeson) Johnson. She was baptized and confirmed in Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. She attended grade and high school in Minneota. On February 27, 1946, she married Darrell Nelson in Ivanhoe, Minnesota. They lived in Sioux Falls, SD, Minneota, Fergus Falls, and Hutchinson. They were the parents of four children. After Darrell’s death in 1982, Joyce moved back to Fergus Falls. Joyce was active in Camp Fire Girls and was instrumental in helping them plant hundreds of Ponderosa pines along the north side of Wall Lake. In addition she belonged to Eastern Star, Sons of Norway, and often served as an election judge. She was a faithful member of Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota, and First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. She had a deep personal faith. Joyce was a homemaker, a warm hostess, and she truly loved and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed music and was a terrific dancer. Survivors include three daughters: Connie (Brad) Hastings of Ottertail, Nancy (Todd) Johnson of Fergus Falls, and Susan (David) Eastman of Wickenburg, AZ; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elsie Keys of Valley City, ND, and Karen (Joe) Vickberg of Grand Rapids; and two brothers, David (Becky) Johnson of Chaska, and Craig (Susan) Johnson of North Branch. Preceding her in death were her husband, Darrell, her son, Gary, her brother, Glenn, her grandson, Jeremy, and her parents. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, May 6, 2010, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Saul Stensvaag and Reverend Roger Hanson Interment: Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com