Irma Nelsen

IRMA MAE NELSEN was born on September 12, 1930 to August “Gus” and Louise (Messner) Mohrman in Morris, Minnesota. She grew up in Morris, Minnesota and attended school there, graduating high school. She later moved to Marshall, Minnesota and worked as a waitress in the café on the corner. She also worked at the drycleaner’s in town. She met Duane Nelsen at the Blue Moon Dance Hall in Marshall and the two hit it off from the beginning. She was united in marriage to Duane at the First English Church in Marshall, Minnesota on December 23, 1951. The couple was blessed with four children and nearly 70 years of marriage. Irma had a passion for the farm. She enjoyed caring for the baby cattle and other small animals. She also took care of the bulk tank and was very particular about all aspects of farming. Recently Irma had some health challenges and entered the care of Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where she died on Friday, June 4, 2021 at the age of 90 years, 8 months, and 22 days.

She was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Tyler. Irma’s “love language” was caring for other people, especially cooking or baking for them. Anyone who came over to eat would always be back for more. She liked to treat those who helped her out with a Schwann’s ice cream treat. She and Duane enjoyed going on drives. The two always enjoyed doing everything together including many years of dancing, they were always in step. After Duane’s death on August 21, 2020 she continued to live at home on the farm. Her family members still picked her up to go out for a day in Marshall or Sioux Falls. She liked to be out and about and very much looked forward to those times.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Bev (Don) Roller of Tyler, Kristi (Merlin) Thompson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Paul Nelsen of Lake Benton; seven grandchildren, Rick Jordahl, Trudy Jordahl, Priscilla (Josh) Osland, Matt (Chandra) Prosch, Josh (Nikki) Prosch, Christopher (fiancé, Elizabeth Tjeerdsma) Prosch, Marquette (Cole) Nordmeyer; ten great-grandchildren; sisters, Evelyn Zimmer, Irene Alexander and Marion Johnson; and one brother, Arnold Mohrman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane; her son, Mark Nelsen; two grandchildren, Cassie Nelsen and Nick Nelsen; her parents; three sisters, Virginia Hahn, Louise Kiel, and Margaret Kingren; and six brothers, Harold, Curtis, Eddie, Herbert, Virgil, and Lloyd Mohrman.