"To the Nelson Family: My heartfelt condolences to all of you at the passing of dear Edna. I have always admired Edna as a gracious, loving woman that always had a kind word and sweet smile for everyone. Her lovely demeanor and presence in the community has been such a blessing to all who knew her, and she raised a great set of kids! I had the pleasure of seeing Edna on several occasions this past year while visiting my mother, Jeanette, and she hadn't changed a bit! Mom and Edna were such good friends for so many, many years. Cherish her memory, live her legacy, and celebrate a life well lived. Rest in eternal peace, Edna. "
In loving memory of
Edna Kathryn Nelson
January 23, 1931 - May 20, 2013
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at the Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial is in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Joyce Funeral Home. There will be a Catholic Daughters Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Edna Kathryn Nelson was born on January 23, 1931 in rural Vernon Township daughter of Leo and Nellie (Calentine) Conway. She attended Vernon Township #1 Grade School, Ringsted High School and graduated from St. Mary's Academy, Emmetsburg, IA in 1949. She worked as a secretary & bookkeeper for the Quaker Oats Co. prior to her marriage.
Edna was united in marriage to Charles L. Nelson on October 9, 1950 at Assumption Catholic Church in Emmetsburg, IA. To this union 8 children were born. She and Chuck farmed north of Emmetsburg for 40 years and later moved to an acreage west of town in 1987. Edna loved her family and friends. She enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cooking, music, dancing, card games and traveling. She was an avid volunteer, especially for her church.
Edna was a member of St. Thomas Parish and then Holy Family Parish serving on the financial committee; a director for several years and taught C.C.D. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, served many different offices and was appointed State District Deputy. One of her greatest honors was being Grand Marshall for the 2012 St. Patrick's Day Celebration. It was a grand day with nearly 100 of her family in attendance.
On Monday, May 20, 2013, Edna passed away at Parc Hall in Emmetsburg.
Survivors are her husband, Charles; her children: Dick & Anne Marie Nelson of Emmetsburg, LuAnn & Dan O'Brien of Emmetsburg, William & Mary Nelson of Choctaw, OK, Chuck Nelson & Kelly McCool of Ames, Jim & Diane Nelson of Emmetsburg, Janet & David Klein of Hospers, John & Carol Nelson of Ames and Steve & Maria Nelson of Palo; brother, Leo & Arlene Conway of Emmetsburg, sisters: Lucille & Wayne Sewell of Guthrie Center, Alice Murphy and Virginia Fokken of Cherokee, Delores & Harry Hauber of Spirit Lake, Mary Ellen & Bob Schroder of Ankeny and Francis & Ben Brink of Rock Rapids; sister-in-law, Ida Mae Joosten of Council Bluffs; and her 24 Grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Florence Lynch; grandson, Daniel; and 3 brothers-in-law, Bob Lynch, Don Murphy and Paul Fokken.
Tributes
"She was a lovely lady. Her tireless efforts for church and civic activities will be remembered by all that knew her. Her memory will live on..."
"Edna was a lady that never judged, her love was UNCONDITIONAL just like Jesus........a great example of what a wife is to be!"
"Edna's family...We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She will be missed by many and lovingly remembered as well. So sorry we weren't able to be there for the services, but know we are thinking of you at this sad time. You can be sure she is dancing and singing up there in heaven!"
"Conway and Nelson families, Edna was a great lady. Know that our sympathy and prayers are with you. "
"How blessed we all were to have had Edna in our lives. She was a wonderful friend to so many (including my parents); a go-er and do-er for her church and community; a loving (and bragging!) mom, grandma and great-grandma -- and fun! I will always remember Edna laughing with the Card Club ladies, and showing up at our house with Chuck, Hugh and Ellen to drag my parents out on a spontaneous night on the town. She and Chuck were a beautiful example of what marriage should be. We share your family's grief, and will keep you in our prayers in the days ahead. "
"I had the pleasure of meeting Edna when she came to Sol Salon for her first pedicure as a birthday present from her children. What an amazing lady!! The evident love and pride of her family was very heartwarming. Despite only having met her once, she impacted me with her grace and love for life. To the entire Nelson family, may you find comfort in the memories made. Prayers of strength to you as you endure the days ahead and may the grace her angels embrace surround the entire family with all the continued love she will eternally have for you all. "
"So very sorry to hear of your Mother/sister's death. We knew her way back in the Ringsted days. She was a beautiful lady. Our sympathy especially goes to Dick & Ann Marie, Jim & Diane & Dee & Harry. I am not feeling well so will not go to the visitation or funeral; hopefully Lloyd will be able to go. Again our deepest sympathy. Lloyd & Joleen Petersen"
"Edna was a very gracious and kind lady. She will be greatly missed by all especially her family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. May God Bless You and Keep you in his loving arms. "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Edna's beautiful smile and what a gracious person she was. May your family find comfort in each other during this difficult time."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. All the special memories will be in your heart forever. Your mother had a beautiful smile that would light up any room she was in. She has touched many lives and will be missed more than you will ever know. Let the memories of her beautiful Irish Eyes and kindness get you through this difficult time. Hugs to you all! "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Edna Nelson's family. We have fond memories of Anne Marie & Dick - also sisters Lucille & Wayne and Dolores & Harry. May faith, family and friends sustain you at this sad time. Remember all the wonderful memories."
"So sorry to hear of Edna's passing, she will be missed by her family. May God bless each of you."
"Nelson Family - We send our sincere sympathy at this difficult time. Your Mother will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you."
"Dear Nelson and Conway Families: Edna was a very special lady and loved by everyone who knew her. She has always had a special place in my heart. Please know that we share in your grief and extend our deepest sympathy to all of her family. "
"I remember the summers baling hay at the Nelson's farm. I've never eaten better meals than Edna fixed and Chuck and Edna treated us so well. We loved working there. It was our favorite place to work."
"Our thoughts and prayers to Chuck, Kelly and the entire Nelson family. May you find peace knowing Edna is in a better place. "
" Everything about Edna I will miss.twinkle in her Irish eyes ,her love of music,the many cards games we played, the stories she would tell about the family and the grandchildren,the picnics in the park,the football games,the parties afterwards,the family reunions she organized,the angel food cakes she baked,and her attitude about life.I will miss her but I know that she and Ellen and Hugh are up there playing Kings Corner.She served her time here on earth well. now it is timefor her to sing with the Angels Thank You dear God for sharing Edna with us as long as you did."
"TO THE NELSON FAMILY YOUR MOM WAS A GRACIOUS PERSON..REMEMBER THE HAPPY DAYS GOD BLESS"
""Until we meet again, may God hold Edna in the palm of His hand."