 Irene was born on July 22, 1914 to Ella (Kling) and Emil Wiksten in Duluth, Minnesota. Irene married John W. Nelson (the love of her life) on June 15, 1932. Five children; Mary Jean, John (Jerry), Kathryn Ann, Dianna and James (Jim).
Irene was a self-crafted, self-taught woman who was a wonderful cook, an immaculate homemaker, good seamstress, and the best pie maker. Most importantly, a loving wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend.
As with many of her generation, she saw many wars, hardships, losses and many changes in the world we live in. Throughout, she remained positive, faithful to her faith, and an example of all that is good in life.
As her one grandchild wrote: “Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Family and Friend. An inspiration with amazing strength. Fought so hard to the end. Beautiful smile. Twinkling eyes. Unconditional love for all.
Kind, caring, warm. Compassionate and outgoing. Intelligent and intuitive. Strong faith and strong will. Though she was small, her heart and soul were bigger than most will see again in this lifetime. We love you today, tomorrow, and always. We will keep you with us in our hearts until we can be with you again.
Irene passed away March 28, 2008 at the Birchwood Care Center in Forest Lake at the age of 93 years. She is survived by her children Mary Swanson of Phoenix, Ariz., John “Jerry” Nelson of Buffalo, Minn., Dianna (Herb) Kent of Forest Lake, Minn., Jim (Brenda) Nelson of Phoenix, Ariz., grandchildren David Swanson, Mark (Julie) Swanson, Jane Swanson, Michell Herzog, Corey (Cris) Nelson, Kim (Erik) Johnson, great-grandchildren; Sheena (Mark), Hayley, Ian, Taylor, Rya, Sadie, Tylor, Hunter; great-great-grandchildren; Alyssa, Ryan, Bailey, Jace many nieces, nephews and friends.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Johnny Nelson, daughter Kathryn, brothers Alden and Eugene Wiksten, sister Anita (Ray) Ogilvie and son-in-law Bill Swanson.
Rev. Laurie O’Shea will officiate at funeral services 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2008 at the Olson Chapel in Rush City. Music will be provided by Irene’s son Jim and Dianne Kirchberg. Honorary Casket bearers include John Schneider, David Schneider, Tom Schneider and Rich Lundberg with the inurment in the First Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City.
|
