Irene B Nelson

Irene Nelson, 95, of Blue Earth, passed away on Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at The Shepherd's Inn in Wells, surrounded by her children. The funeral service will be held on Friday, July 14th at 11:00 A.M. at Dell Lutheran Church, rural Frost, with visitation prior to the service beginning at 9:30 A.M. Pastor Joe Ocker will be officiating. Interment will follow in Dell Lutheran Cemetery. Patton Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. 

Irene Beatrice Holmgren was born December 16, 1927 in Mankato, Minnesota to C. Algot and Annette Holmgren. After her graduation from Mankato High School, Irene earned her teaching degree from Mankato State Teachers College. She spent her first years of teaching in Montana with her good friend Esther. Upon their return to Minnesota, Esther introduced Irene to Wesley Nelson, and on June 22, 1952, Irene and Wes were married. Their union would last until Wes’ death 69 years later. They were blessed with four children. When her children were in school, Irene completed her 4-year college degree and went on to teach in Frost, Bricelyn, and the Christian school in Brush Creek. Irene and Wes enjoyed traveling together and, later in life, spending winters in Arizona.

Much of Irene’s life was focused on faith, family, and food. She was an active member of Dell Lutheran Church for many years, attending services with her family every Sunday as well as serving with the women’s ministry and teaching Sunday School. As a devoted wife and a dedicated mother, Irene often put the needs of her family before her own. She expressed her love through food. Irene was a gifted baker; her home often smelled of fresh-baked bread, and she always kept extra breads, bars, and cookies in the freezer to send home with her family and other visitors. Irene was proud of her Swedish heritage, especially the Swedish recipes she had inherited from relatives. When her work was done, she enjoyed reading and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles.

 
Irene is survived by her sons, Steve (Paulette) Nelson of Owatonna and Tim (Vicky) Nelson of Blue Earth; daughters Sue (Steve) Frederick of Gilbert, AZ and Karen (Kellen) Borglum of Bricelyn; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Gordon Holmgren of Emily, MN; and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Wesley Nelson; sister, Lorraine Jacobson; brother, Leonard Holmgren; and grandson, Ryan Johnson.