Kaye Nelson, age 68 of Glenwood, died Friday, March 10, 2017 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.  A memorial service celebrating Kaye’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 16^th at Glenwood Lutheran Church with Rev. Randy Chrissis and Rev. Krista Lee officiating.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood and will also continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  Inurnment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.  Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.    

Kaye Lynette Nelson, the daughter of Val (Kubly) and Marland Haugen, was born on June 26, 1948, in Mankato, MN. She grew up in Madelia, MN, and attended Trinity Lutheran Church. She attended school in Madelia and was a member of the Class of 1966. She was united in marriage to Bruce Nelson on June 9, 1968, in Madelia, MN. They resided in Madelia until 1977 when they moved to Blue Earth, MN. In the summer of 1981 they built their current home on the shores of Pelican Lake in Pope County, MN.

She was an active member of Glenwood and the surrounding communities. She adored her many local friends and stayed in touch with many of her childhood friends from Madelia. She belonged to the Glenwood Lutheran Church, Sarah Circle, Wild Women social club, and an active member of her Book Club. She was very active in planning each of her five-year class reunions in Madelia. Her working career included owner/operator of a local dress shop as well as working for Glenwood Floral. She also loved working as a paraprofessional at the Minnewaska Elementary School where she applied her love of helping children for fourteen years. She was currently serving her fourteenth year as the clerk for the Minnewaska Township.

She also turned her love of sewing into service by making backpacks and school kits for Lutheran World Relief. She was an avid reader and loved traveling with her family and visiting friends. She also cherished her role as a surrogate mother to her sister’s family since cancer took her too soon. But her favorite hobby was adoring her six grandchildren who were her joy and delight.

She is survived by her mother, Val Haugen of Glenwood, husband Bruce Nelson of Glenwood, daughter, Jodi McGinty of Glenwood, sons: Brad (Erin) Nelson of Inver Grove Heights and Greg (Lindsay) Nelson of Glenwood, and six grandchildren Madi (16), Mason (14), Ayla (7), Aksel (5), Stella (4), and Summit (2); brother-in-law, Dan Wihlm; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Marland Haugen and her sister, Karen Wihlm.

She will be remembered for her life of joy, kindness, and cheerful service to her family, her church, and her community. Most of all, she will be remembered as the heart and light of her loving family.

 Service Information