Helen Nelson, 86, of Marcus passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Happy Siesta Care Center in Remsen, Iowa. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2015 at Faith Lutheran Church in Marcus. Rev. Pete Petersen will officiate. Burial will follow at Marcus – Amherst Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday at the church.
Helen Beatrice Nelson was born April 3, 1929, in rural Cleghorn, Iowa to Aaron and Betty (Otterdahl) Alm. Helen showed musical ability at an early age and took piano lessons. Before long, she was playing for church, learning a new hymn each week. Helen graduated from Cleghorn High School in 1947 and from Samuel’s School of Beauty in 1948. She was employed by Harriet’s Salon in Cherokee, Iowa until she met her husband, Martin Leonart Nelson. They were united in marriage November 17, 1955. Helen and Leonart settled down in Marcus, Iowa where they raised their four children.
Helen loved the LORD and enjoyed bringing music into the lives of others. She was an organist for many years at Faith Lutheran Church in Marcus, Iowa, as well as many other local churches. She enjoyed playing Swedish folk music, show tunes on her organ at home, and loved music with a good beat. Helen was especially fond of Bachman Turner Overdrive, whose music was introduced to her by her children. Helen also loved to cook and cooked for the school, the Le Mars Hospital and for K-Products. Her family will always remember her cinnamon rolls, Swedish pastry and sugar cookies. Helen was a devoted mother and wife, and absolutely hated camping, but was a good sport because her family loved it. She was reported to have kissed the refrigerator when she got home.
She is survived by her children, Robert L. Nelson, Richard A. Nelson, Jon and Connie Nelson all of Marcus, IA; and Bette and Rick Schumacher of Sioux Falls, SD; her brother-in-law, George Gottsche, and two nieces, Susan and Marilyn and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Martin Leonart Nelson.
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