Obituary: Rozina “Rose” Nelson

Jan. 17, 1929 - July 28, 2013

Rozina “Rose” Nelson, 84, of Rochester, MN. passed away Sunday July 28th 2013, while in Dayton Nevada.

Please join her family in celebrating her life on Friday August 2nd at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN at 11 am with Pastor Karna Hagen officiating. There will be a visitation at the church starting at 10 am on Friday. Burial will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens following the funeral service.

Rose was born to Lucy and Sylvester Welch in Rockford, Illinois on January 17th, 1929. She married Lorn Nelson on November 29th, 1947 in Rockford, and later moved to Minnesota. There they raised their five children; Dianne, Shirley, Susan, Steven and Karen.

Rose was a devoted wife and mother, and could never do enough for her family. She held a special place in her heart for all children, but especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always loved having her “kids” spend time with her, and never turned down the opportunity to have them visit or stay over. She tolerated the Minnesota winters, but loved the summer, and would spend as much time as possible outside working in her yard or garden. She enjoyed visiting with all of her neighbors, or anyone else that might stop to ‘chat’ while walking by. She had a great sense of humor and loved to joke around! If you ever asked her how she was feeling, her reply was always, “with my fingers.”

Rose was proceeded in death by her husband, Lorn; both parents and 10 of her 14 brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her five children: Dianne Lucius of Dayton Nevada, Shirley (Erv) Ponto of Elgin MN, Susan Nelson of Rochester, Steve (Cathy) Nelson of Rochester, and Karen (Bruce) Benyo of Simi Valley, California. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Brent (Judy) Gates, Matt Gates, Melissa Ponto-Norton, Nikki (Tim) Kiefer, Jessica (Joe) Nelson-Maier, Brandon Nelson, Ashley (Angel) Rojas, Andrew (Jenna) Nelson, Angela Nelson, Isaiah Minnich and Trevor Minnich. And also survived by 13 great-grandchildren: Derrick Gates, Courtney Gates, Austin Norton, Hunter Norton, Alexis Kiefer, Madison Kiefer, Ben Maier, Zach Maier, Angel Rojas, Selena Rojas, Aiden Rojas, Layla Nelson, and Austin Benyo. She is also survived by three sisters, all in Rockford.

Online condolences are welcome at

www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Any memorials can be directed to Alzheimer’s research or donor’s choice.