Marjorie Louise (Anderson) Nelsen

Marjorie Nelsen, age 74, of Glenwood, died Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at home, surrounded by her family, following a lengthy illness. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2nd, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lowry, with Rev. Bryan Taffe officiating. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home in Glenwood and will resume on Saturday at the church, one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Marjorie "Marge" L. Anderson, the first of two children born to Wilton and Verna (Ellingson) Anderson, was born November 15, 1948, in Benson, Minnesota. She grew up in nearby Sunburg and Lake Lillian attending First Lutheran Church of Lake Lillian. Marge went to school in Bird Island and graduated from Bird Island High School in 1966. After high school, she furthered her education as Bethesda Lutheran Hospital School of Practical Nursing where she received her LPN degree.

Marge met Ronald Glenn Nelsen at the 1969 Meeker County Fair. She was there to deposit drawing tickets in the barrel for the nightly drawings. Ron strolled her around the fair and after a Tilt A Whirl ride, asked her to go to the McCloud County Fair in Hutchinson the following week. After a two year courtship, the two were united in marriage on June 5, 1971, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. They made their home in Grove City, MN. When SDSU fall semester resumed, they moved to Brookings, SD. Following Brookings, they moved to Appleton, MN and finally Glenwood where they made their home on a small acreage of land just outside of town. They were blessed with three daughters, Sonya, Andrea, and Shannon. Over the course of her career, Marge worked in the following medical facilities: Willmar Hospital, St Louis Park Methodist Hospital, Brookings Nursing Home, Britton Hospital, Appleton Nursing Home, and Glacial Ridge Health System. Marjorie was employed as an LPN at the Glacial Ridge Health System in Glenwood for 40 years. She was a wonderful caregiver and coworker and created many lifelong friendships.

Marge was a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lowry where she was active in WELCA and Esther circle. She enjoyed crocheting and made blankets for each of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed watching sports; especially her daughters when they played basketball and tennis and, more recently watching her grandchildren participate in sports and activities. She was a talented baker and generous to share her goodies with others. For several years, Marge and her fellow nurse and good friend, Jeanie Person, offered up their combined baking skills as an auction item at the Glacial Ridge Auxiliary Harvest Ball charity event.

In 2018, Marge was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, which is cancer of the bile ducts. She stayed positive and put up a valiant fight for 5 years, all while also caring for those around her. Throughout her fight, she would set short term goals, often centered around her grandchildren and was able to meet them. Marge passed away peacefully at home on August 29, 2023, surrounded by her family and under the care of Glacial Ridge Hospice. Marge will be remembered for her strong will, determination, and the love she had for her family.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ronald Nelsen of Glenwood; daughters, Sonya (Steve) Tonna of Ramsey, Andrea (Matt) Wagner of Maple Grove, and Shannon (Tim) Weisbrod of Cottage Grove; 10 grandchildren, Jackson, Joey, Jordan, Jayla and Joelle Tonna; Michael, Megan, Madelyn Wagner; and Nolan and Charlie Weisbrod; brother-in-law, John Gareth (Carolyn) Olson; step- mother, Pearl Anderson; step-sister, Mavis (Al Orris) Lindgren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Wilton and Verna Anderson, her sister, Susan Marie Olson; stepbrother, Gary Lindgren; and special aunt, Ella Mae Dengerud.

For anyone wishing to make a memorial donation, Marge’s family suggests Glacial Ridge Hospice, 219 1st St SE, Glenwood, MN 56334, or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lowry – (for the Harold Anderson Fund benefitting Luther Crest Bible Camp), 201 Maple St., Lowry, MN 56349.

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