Lois Marie Nelson

Hills, MN

    Lois Nelson, age 92 of Hills, MN died Monday, December 13, 2021, Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

     A memorial service will be 11:00 AM, Monday, December 20^th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, MN, with Rev. Juanita Parker officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Flowerfield Cemetery near Hills, MN.

     The Nelson family will receive family and friends one hour prior to the service on Monday morning at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

     Lois Marie Nelson was born January 2, 1929, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the daughter of Calvin C. and Irene L. (Bishop) Oleson. When she was young her family moved to Brookings, SD and she graduated from Brookings High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with a minor in Music, where learned how to play the French horn. She continued graduate school at SDSU, Mankato State University and Augustana College.

     She was united in marriage to Raymond A. Nelson on June 10, 1951, in Hills, MN. She was a high school teacher for many years as a Choir director, Science teacher. She was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in his and was active many church organizations. She also was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #339 and the Mortar Board Honor Society. She played the French horn for several years with Sioux Falls Municipal Band and Augustana College Community Band. Most recently she served as the treasurer for the Flowerfield Cemetery Association.

     She enjoyed swimming, aerobics, playing in bands, yard and flower gardening, walking, reading and sewing. She especially enjoyed playing French horn and volunteer for community activities.

     On February 28, 2010, Lois’s husband, Raymond died. She remained active with the cemetery duties and community events. 

     She is survived by her three children, Bruce Nelson of Brooklyn Center, MN; Vicki Nelson of Mankato, MN and Gail (Rodney) Arendsen of Charleston, SC; a brother, Robert (Bonnie) Oleson of Waconia, MN; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Irene Oleson; husband of 58 years, Raymond A. Nelson; and a sister, Dorothy Gosmire.

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