Lois Nelson

Lois Evelyn Nelson, 80, passed away in her home on July 4, 2017.

Lois was born to George and Noreen (Attleson) Reece on August 15, 1936 on the family farm. She was the second child of seven. Lois attended country school near the family farm and she spent her high school days in Wadena, MN from where she graduated. It was also in Wadena where Lois met the love of her life, William W. Nelson. The couple was married on April 10, 1954.

Bill and Lois resided in Perham, MN where they were blessed with the birth of their oldest son, Doug. From there they moved to Buffalo Lake, MN where Mike, Kurt and Gary were born. They then lived in Woonsocket, SD and Arlington, MN before they settled back in Perham. They were loved throughout their travels and made many long-lasting friendships.

Throughout her children's younger days, Lois kept busy being a wonderful mother. As the years went on, she took up multiple jobs, her favorite and most memorable at Perham State Bank, now United Community Bank, where she served from 1970 to 2001. Her contagious smile and desire to help others created many lasting friendships, and people would line up to experience Lois' joy and hospitality.

Lois and Bill shared the joys and trials of life together for 40 years until Bill's death in 1994.

Lois' joy and optimism remained, however, and she spent the next part of her life caring for her mother, traveling, planning social gatherings, researching family history, playing cards with friends and keeping in touch with all of her loved ones, both near and distant. Additionally, Lois was able to share these hobbies and her endless love with her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her last years, Lois was a woman who would survive a tornado, travel to Norway, and afterwards, come home to peacefully watch the birds.

Most importantly, Lois smiled and loved through it all.

Lois is survived by her four sons: Doug Nelson of Perham, Mike (Lisa) Nelson of Perham, Kurt (Jeana) Nelson of Perham, and Gary Nelson of Coeur d'Alene, ID; 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; her sisters Donna (Ralph) Lundahl of Hutchinson, MN, Karen (LaVern) Erkenbrack of Wadena, MN and Renee (Jim) Murray of Cedar, MN; and her brother David (Diane) Reece of Hutchinson, MN.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill; her infant son; her parents George and Noreen; and her brothers Harlan and Charles.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 9 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham. Visitation will resume on Monday, July 10 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. Burial will be in the Perham Village Cemetery following the funeral service.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com

Lois's Memorial Folder