Velda Nelson

Velda was born in Hoven, South Dakota on March 3, 1924. She was the youngest of three children (brother, Alvin and sister, Ida) born to Christian and Rosina (Roesch) Vogele. After graduating from high school, she attended Dakota Business College in Fargo and earned a two-year degree. Velda worked for Gamble Robinson for six years during which time she met Ray Nelson. Ray and Velda were married in 1948. Shortly thereafter, they purchased their first home on 14th Street in Fargo. Daughter, Sandy, was born in 1949 and son, Mark, in 1951. Ray and Velda built a home on the Sheyenne River in 1973 and lived there until Ray’s health declined. They purchased a townhouse on Prairiewood Circle in 1977 where Velda lived the rest of her life. Ray passed away on April 15, 1979. Velda was employed for 20 plus years as the secretary for the district office of the Hoover Company in Fargo. First Congregational Church was an important part of Velda‘s life. She enjoyed Bible Study and volunteered in many church activities. She was a long-time active member of the Women‘s Fellowship and treasurer for over 14 years. Velda received an award from United Blood Services for over 10 years of dedicated volunteer service. Her church, friends and family were the center of Velda’s retirement years. She loved crossword puzzles, birds, movies, reading, lunch with friends and visits to see her children and grandchildren. Velda passed away on May 3, 2011 at Sheyenne Crossings Care Center in West Fargo after a brief illness. Velda is survived by daughter, Sandy Hoffman (husband, Don) of St. Paul; son, Mark Nelson (wife, Kathy) of Cleveland, Ohio; grandchildren, Lynn Hoffman (husband, Andy) and Brian Hoffman (wife, Katie), both of Minneapolis. She will be forever loved and greatly missed. We look forward to the day we will be with her again in Heaven. Memorials preferred to First Congregational United Church of Christ. Memorial Service: Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at 11:00 AM, at First Congregational UCC, Fargo. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.