Gloria Nelson

Gloria Elsie Genevieve Johnson, daughter of Carl and Caroline (Oppegaard) Johnson, was born January 14, 1916 in Walcott, North Dakota, where she was also baptized into the Lutheran Faith. On June 1, 1930, she was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Battle Lake, MN by Pastor O.F. Bratten. After graduating from high school, Gloria attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. She later attended the Academy of Beauty Culture, and following her graduation, owned and operated her own business' in Great Falls, MT and Starbuck, MN. On September 14, 1950, she was united in marriage to Henry P. Nelson at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck by Pastor Rem. The couple made their home on Henry's farm near Hancock, where they lived and farmed their entire married life. Henry died on March 20, 1978, after which, Gloria continued to operate the family farm with the help of her son, Lowell. Gloria remained on the farm until 1997, when she moved into an apartment at the West Central Christian Home in Morris. While living there, she ran a bible study each month and also set-up for the weekly church services. Although Gloria was no longer living on the farm, she remained very interested in the daily operations, right down to how much rain had fallen on the different sections of land.



Gloria's number one priority was always her family, and her spiritual guidance and sacrifice will always be treasured by those she cared for the most. It was that continual sacrifice that allowed her to give each of her grandchildren the gift of paying for their entire college education, in order to give them all a head start at a bright, prosperous future.



Gloria was also a very dedicated member of West Zion Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for 19 years and worked with, and held the various offices for the Ladies Groups and her Circle. She was also active in her area Homemaker's Club, Birthday Club and Study Club and she loved to get together with her friends for Bridge Club and Sequence Club.



Gloria died on Monday, December 19, 2005 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, having lived to reach the age of 89 years.



She is survived by: one son: Lowell (Patricia) Nelson of Hancock; one daughter: Carolyn Maanum of Hancock; 4 grandchildren: Jessica Nelson of Alexandria, Erik Nelson of Hancock, Scott Maanum of Hancock and Suzanne Mannum of Hancock; sister-in-law: Nettie (Walter) Reimers of Morris and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; five brothers: Earl, Waldo, Gerald, Floyd & Wesley Johnson; sister: Ione Morin and infant sister: Ione Johnson.



Pallbearers for the service are: Ken Johnson, Donald C. Johnson, David Johnson, Dan Johnson, Bruce Johnson, Linda Carlson, Steve Sundheim and George Reimers. Gloria's Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers for the service. Lisa Berdan will be the organist, with Maurine Nelson serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.