Clara I. Nelson

Clara I. Nelson, 90, of Mason City, died Monday, March 4, 2013, at the Good Shepherd Health Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 7, 2013, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue, with Rev. Sean McRoberts of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Wednesday (March 6, 2013) at Major Erickson Funeral Home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Clara I. Nelson Memorial Fund in care of the family. Clara was born July 23, 1922, in rural Titonka, IA, the daughter of Enno and Lena (Stohr) Eden. She attended school in Titonka until age 12, when her family moved to Clear Lake, IA. Clara also attended Clear Lake schools. On June 8, 1946, Clara was united in marriage to Leonard V. Nelson in Austin, MN. The couple moved to Mason City in 1946. Over the years, Clara worked for Buttrey's Clothing Store and Hardies (dining room hostess), before her retirement in 1991. Clara enjoyed spending time with her family – especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed dancing to Old Time Bands at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake on Friday nights, camping, baking, shopping, going out to eat, and visiting with family and friends over a cup of coffee. Clara was a member of First United Methodist Church and the VFW Auxillary. Clara is survived by two daughters: Virginia (David) Funnell of Kimberling City, MO and Katherine Ward of Mason City; 3 grandchildren, Sherri (Brian) Christianson of Brookings, SD, Misti Funnell of Clear Lake, and Tracey Lorentzen of Mason City; 5 great grandchildren: Dylan and Mariah Collins, both of Mason City, Macyn, Cade and Reece Christianson, all of Brookings, 2 great great grandchildren: Simon and Wyatt Collins of Mason City; 1 sister: Vera Osnes of Covina, CA; and 1 sister-in-law: Ethel Nelson of Brainerd, MN. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Leonard in 2005; son-in-law: Clarence Jr. Ward; 2 sisters: Caroline Tool and Lorraine Woiwood; 2 brothers: Henry and Geerd Eden; and a sister in infancy: Edith.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery

Memorials may be directed to the Clara I. Nelson Memorial Fund in care of the family

Visitation:
will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Wednesday (March 6, 2013) at Major Erickson Funeral Home

Service:
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 7, 2013, at Major Erickson Funeral Home