Audrey M. Nelson

Audrey Merette (Jacobson) Nelson, 81, died July 16, 2014 at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, MN with her family at her side. Audrey was born in Minneapolis, MN on September 22, 1932 to Carl Samuel and Vivian Elva Marie (Peterson) Jacobson. Audrey was the only child of this union. Her father immigrated from Falkoping, Sweden in 1916 at the age of 20. She was very proud of her Swedish heritage. She graduated from North High School in Minneapolis, MN in 1950. She then went on to the University of Minnesota to become a dental hygienist. She graduated from the University of Minnesota on June 12, 1954. Audrey then married Ragnar Sylvester Nelson on June 25, 1955 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. They lived in Rochester, MN where they started dairy farming. She then attended Winona State University to attain her teaching degree, followed by a masters degree. She started her teaching career in Rochester, MN then continued teaching in Byron, MN for 26 years until her retirement in 1994. Upon retirement, she and her husband traveled the world. She enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, entertaining family and friends at home, her grandchildren, and spending time at the cabin on Mille Lacs Lake. Audrey is survived by her husband of 59 years, Ragnar; daughters, Karen (Brian) Westby of Decorah, IA, Lori Nelson of Rochester, MN and Paula (Marty) Blair of Baton Rouge, LA; grandchildren, Conner Westby, Kaijsa (Zachary) Albertson, Dawson Blair and Jason Blair. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Christ Lutheran Church 201 Frontage Road NW, Byron, MN 55920. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 and one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Jack Friedli will be officiating. Interment will be held 11:30 AM Friday, July 25, 2014 at Elim Lutheran Church Cemetery in Scandia, MN.