Frances Irene Nelson

Frances Irene Nelson, age 92, of Fargo, North Dakota, died peacefully on January 20, 2014, due to respiratory complications from pneumonia at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, California.

Born February 7, 1921 to Ida and Ferdinand Wayne in Geneva, Minnesota, Frances was the youngest of 12 siblings. As a child, Frances attended schools in Geneva and Ellendale, Minnesota and later received her three-year RN degree from the Naeve Hospital of Nursing in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She worked as an OR nurse in Albert Lea, St. Peter, and Mankato (MN) and also Fargo, North Dakota. In 1949, Frances married John Nelson of Geneva, Minnesota. In Fargo, she retired from nursing to begin a new career working side-by-side her husband in their orthopedic shoe store (Nelsons Shoes) which they owned and operated for over 25 years before retiring in 1982. Together they were also charter members of Hope Lutheran Church. Volunteering was also an important part of Frances life she devoted more than 30 years at Merit Care in addition to being the pianist at Bethany Nursing Home Chapel. Frances talents also included creating beautiful needlepoint works of art depicting not only her Danish heritage but also Norman Rockwell treasures for her family and friends. After her husband passed away in 2006, Frances moved to San Diego, California in 2009 to be nearer her twin children.

As she aged, neighbors in Fargo reciprocated the kindness and compassion to those in need - qualities Frances demonstrated throughout her life. The entire family is especially grateful to Suzanne and Marvin Pederson, Nancy and Tim Shappell, and Marge and Mike Crawford for their constant care and continuing friendship.

Survivors include a son Mark (wife Denise Anderson of Fargo), daughter Mary Holtgrave, and granddaughter Erin, as well as nieces and nephews. Frances is preceded in death by her husband, all siblings, and a son-in-law, Michael Holtgrave.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frances name to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 or the Naeve Hospital School of Nursing Alumni and Nurses Club Scholarship Fund, 25619 750th Avenue, Clarks Grove, Minnesota 56016.