Loretta Clara Nelson

Loretta Clara Nelson, 90, our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on March 9, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Lake Norden, SD. Loretta Clara Berthelsen was born on August 9, 1920 to Niels and Annie (Christensen) Berthelsen on a farm near Irene, SD. She was baptized in her parents’ home on June 27, 1921 and later confirmed at First English Lutheran Church, Parker, where she remained a member until her death. She was also a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Loretta attended both the District #79 country school and Parker School. On Sept. 28, 1940 she married Howard Russell Nelson in Luverne, MN. They enjoyed 35 years of married life together. To this union, two sons were born, Larry Lee and Bernell Gary. Her husband died in 1976. Loretta worked on different small jobs and then was the supervisor and manager of the Parker School lunch program for 25 years which she enjoyed very much. During her lifetime, Loretta also enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardening and all yard work. She painted ceramics and also loved to crochet and made many lovely afghans for her family, as well as beautiful crocheted Christmas ornaments and angels. Loretta was a good cook and was known especially for her cinnamon-raison rolls and home canned peach sauce. She welcomed everyone into her home and was always putting on the coffee pot and serving them lunch or a delicious meal. Loretta started the SIS Club (Sisters in Spirit) with Dr. A. P. Reding of Marion and her friend, Arlene Neufeld of Freeman. Loretta will be remembered by her family as a very loving and kind mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who was always ready to help you in any way she could. Her family’s happiness was always a matter of great concern to her, and the memory of her loving kindness will remain with them always. Grateful for having shared her life are: her sons, Larry and wife, Patty, Platteville, CO and Bernell and wife, Carol, Marion, SD; six grandchildren, Cheri (Terry) Fox, Washington state, Sheila (Steve) Franks, Austin, TX, Roxanne (Kevin) Bender, Round Rock, TX, Teresa (Dr. Jeff) Anderson, Austin, MN, Russell (Stacey) Nelson, Lennox, SD and Wade (Michelle) Gonzales, Johnstown, CO; nine great-grandchildren, Greg and Matt Gonzales, Erin Franks, Aleesha, Grace and Noah Anderson, Hailey, Josie and Easton Nelson; two step great- grandchildren; Logan and Brailey Bender, two step-grandchildren, Scott (Kim) Dechant and Don (Terri) Dechant; two step great-grandchildren, Kendrah and Amanda Dechant; two sisters, Mildred (Dreldon) Steward, Parker, SD and Evelyn Long, Mason City, IA; and on brother, Howard (Joy) Berthelsen, Parker, SD; nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and two brothers, Dr. Harlan Berthelsen and Everett Berthelsen.