Vivian Nelson

VIVIAN JUNE (NIELSEN) NELSON was born on June 17, 1930, to Ejnert and Edel (Ollgaard) Nielsen in Tyler, Minnesota. She married Alvin Trautman Jr. on June 24, 1951, at Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler. They farmed West of Lake Benton, Minnesota until December of 1972, when they purchased a hardware store in Lake Benton and operated Trautman Hardware until 1984. After divorcing in 1985, Vivian married Vernon Nelson in December 1986. They lived in Texarkana, Texas for a short time until returning to Lake Benton. Vernon died in July of 1994, and Vivian continued to live in Lake Benton until becoming a resident of Rock Rapids Care Center in Rock Rapids, Iowa in December of 2021.

Vivian was previously a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Benton. She enjoyed reading Danielle Steele books, working on word searches, and baking. Vivian also treasured the companionship of her beloved cat, Rosie. She will be remembered for her fun-loving nature. She truly enjoyed meeting and talking to people though she could be considered a very independent woman. Vivian took pleasure in carrying out tasks her own way.

Vivian is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Dave) Fox of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; daughter-in-law, Freida (Ralph) Brainerd of Texarkana; grandchildren, Brian (Miranda) of Sioux Falls, Chad (Jen) of Post Falls, Idaho, Sonny Brainerd of Rogers, Arkansas, and Stephanie (Bryan) Wright of Texarkana; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, David (Agnes) Nielsen of Tyler and Dale Nielsen of Tyler; sister, Marjorie Meinders of Edmond, Oklahoma; as well as many nieces and nephews. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alvin and husband, Vernon; sister, Agnita Rasmussen; and brother, LeRoy Nielsen.