She was born May 24, 1936 in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. She grew up in the New London Covenant Church in New London, Minnesota.
Nelson graduated from North Park College in 1956. The Nelsons met at the school and were married October 27, 1956.
The Nelsons served Covenant congregations in Villa Park, Illinois; Red Wing, Minnesota; Dearborn, Michigan; and Bloomington, Minnesota.
Her husband served as president of Minnehaha Academy for 17 years.
Nelson is survived by her husband and two children: a daughter, Dr. Cynthia Meyer, and a son, Jon; and one grandson.
Visitation will be Wednesday evening at Albin Chapel in Eden Prairie. Memorials may be made in her name by sending them to the Minnehaha Academy Scholarship Fund, 3107 47th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55406.
