Joann R. Nelson

Joann R. Nelson, 79, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, March 26, 2015 at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls, surrounded by her family.

Joann was born on October 7, 1935 on her grandparent’s farm in Mantrap Township, rural Nevis, MN, to Ray and Beatrice (Shebeck) Kropp. She grew up and attended school through the 4th grade in Park Rapids, at which time the family moved to Wahpeton, ND where she continued her schooling, graduating in 1952. On August 28, 1956, she married Jerry Foyen in Wahpeton. The couple had three children, Laurel, Jeff and Lynne.

On May 4, 1964 she married her husband of 46 years Jerome Nelson in Sisseton, SD. To this union, Beth was born. She worked from 1974 to 1999 at Ben Franklin craft store, where she was a clerk and also a postal assistant.

She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she served as Helping Hands coordinator, on the Worship Commission and was a member of the Lydia circle. She also was an active member of the YMCA, where she enjoyed being part of the Y’s Folks, being a sunshine person and also serving on the board. She also was active at the Fergus Falls Senior Center.

Joann loved summer outside activities, such as swimming and camping. She and her husband were the campground hosts at Glendalough State Park for 5 years. Some of her happiest moments were around the campfire with her fire stick. She also enjoyed bowling, card games and walking. Being a homemaker and raising her children was a great joy for her and she especially loved the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Jerome (Jerry) Nelson, who died in 2010; daughter, Beth Wentworth, who died in 2009; grandchildren, Luke and Anthony and twins, Roy and Rayann Nelson.

Survivors include, children, Laurel (John) Petersen of Fergus Falls, Jeff (Vicki) Nelson of Tonka Bay and Lynne Petterson of Fergus Falls; son-in-law, Brian Wentworth of Champlin; grandchildren, Joseph, Samuel (Satia) and Andrew Petersen, Cecilia Hoff Nelson, Jesse Ruen, and Eric (McKenna) Wentworth and Tara Wentworth; great-grandchildren, Selah and Nylah Petersen, Bennett Wentworth and Belle Patterson; brothers, Richard (Judy) Kropp of Wahpeton and David (Ginger) Kropp of Fergus Falls and also numerous nieces and nephews

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Grace United Methodist Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Wesley Gabel and Chaplain Harry Olson
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com