Mary Jane Nelson

Mary Jane Nelson, age 79, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at her home on January 28, 2017, with her husband Lance and Meow by her side. Lance and Mary Jane were happily married for 32 years and resided in Rochester. She was born Mary Jane Andrist on November 14, 1937, daughter to David and Agatha (Yennie) Andrist; older sister to David Andrist, Jr. of Zumbro Falls; and half-sister, Terrie Lee Brownlow of Rochester. Mary Jane attended county school in Pine Island and graduated from Pine Island High School in 1955. She went to work in Rochester at the First National Bank where she met Robert Thompson of Hayfield. They married and later divorced. Mary Jane spent her working years in office management. She was employed at Tyrol Ski and Sports in Rochester, Byron Dental Group and numerous part time jobs. Mary Jane married Lance Nelson of Rochester in 1985. They are members of Zumbro Lutheran Church. Mary Jane loved her Lord and all living things. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, laughing, loving and sharing. Mary Janes survivors include her husband, Lance; brother, David (Rosie); daughter, Pamela (Mark) Schreader of Pine Island; son, Steven Thompson of Lake Stevens, WA; step-children, Nicole Taylor of Georgia and Greg Nelson of Colorado; step-grandchildren, Ella Jane and Sophia Grace of Georgia; aunt, Annie Stafford; brother-in-law, Richard (Lois) Nelson; many double cousins and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Terrie Lee (Phil) Brownlow; nephew, Jayce Andrist; double cousin, Orlo Andrist; and cousin, Darwin Looft. Mary Janes service will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. The visitation will be from 11:00-1:00 pm at the funeral home. Refreshments will follow the service. The inurnment will be in the chapel at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester, where she will rest in peace. Memorials should be directed to the family where they will be given to Mary Janes favorite charities. We will miss her today, tomorrow and always until we meet again in Heaven. Thank you to everyone for your prayers, support, love and to all who celebrate her life. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place, NW, Rochester, MN. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com