Nellie Nelson Obituary

Nellie Nelson, 97, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025 at Bethany Retirement Living Community.
She was born to John and Anna Methorst on February 19, 1928 in Milnor, North Dakota. She graduated from Milnor High School in 1946. Nellie and Gerald (Shorty) were married at the Milnor Lutheran Church on May 21,1950. Together, they welcomed two children into their family. Mark was born in 1958 in Tacoma, Washington and Judy in 1961 in Toul-Rosieres, France.
Nellie grew up near Milnor, ND where she was actively involved in the family farm. She developed a strong work ethic from her Dutch immigrant parents. After they were married, Shorty enlisted in the Air Force, and they were stationed for 22 years throughout the United States and in France. Over the years, Nellie worked diligently to support Shorty in his military career. Each time they moved, she would seek out employment - never afraid to try something new. She chose to become a homemaker once the children were born, devoting her time to raising them. She was always there to support and encourage Mark and Judy in their activities. Shorty retired from the military in 1972, and they moved to Grand Forks, ND. In Grand Forks, Nellie worked as an assistant manager in restaurants as well as involving herself in church and community activities. Nellie and Shorty moved to Fargo in 2000. Nellie was an excellent bridge player along with Shorty and they developed many close friendships through their bridge card clubs. Nellie loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing. For many years, Hiawatha Beach Resort on Leech Lake became a place for them to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Nellie excelled in the kitchen and was famous for her homemade buns and cinnamon rolls. She loved her family and would spend great amounts of time supporting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nellie and Shorty celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on May 21, 2025.
She is survived by her husband, Gerald P. Nelson (Shorty) of Fargo, North Dakota. She is also survived by two children, Mark (Stephanie) Nelson of Des Moines, IA and Judy (Michael) of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Jonathan (Heather) Nelson, Katy (Jens) Nelson, Jordan (Sara) Smith, Josh (Christina) Smith and Marah Smith; great-grandchildren, Charlie and Maddie Nelson, Griffin and Boden Smith, and Isabella, Bennett, Emmett and Lucca Smith.
She was preceded in death by John and Anna Methorst (father and mother), John Methorst (brother), Mary Heath (sister) and Gerty Bleecker (sister).
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. at Dahlstrom Funeral Home in Milnor. Burial will be at Milnor Lutheran Cemetery near Milnor. Nellie's funeral will be live streamed on our website on her obituary page.
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