Hazel J. Nelson, Fertile, MN, passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Fair Meadow Nursing Home at the age of 101.
Hazel Joyce (Ashling) Nelson was born in rural Winger, MN on November 15, 1919 to John and Ida (Bennes) Ashling. She was the oldest of four children. She received her education at a country school, Hazel Run, close to her home. Upon completion of 8th grade, she helped her parents on the farm. She was always educating herself throughout her lifetime.
Hazel was united in marriage to Conrad Nelson on December 7, 1940 in Rindal, MN. They lived on the Sandberg farm north of Rindal for several years and then moved to Hazel’s parents farm in rural Winger and lived there until they purchased a home in Fertile in 1950.
Through the years, Hazel worked side by side with her husband, Conrad, at the GTA Elevator in Fertile as a bookkeeper. She retired in 1978 and continued to live in her home until she moved to Summerfield Apartments in Fertile in 2010. She entered Fair Meadow Nursing home in June of 2018.
Hazel was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Fertile where she enjoyed bible study, circle, and attending church services. She was also active in Birthday Club with friends. Hazel enjoyed watching Conrad’s baseball games, traveling, fishing, auction sales, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. Her love for her family was evident especially when she visited her loved ones in the nursing home. She was a faithful visitor to her mother Ida, husband Conrad, and sister Bernice Sannes.
Hazel is survived by her son, Wayne (Susan) Nelson, Carrollton, GA; daughter, Diane (Allen) Erickson, Fertile, MN; six grandchildren, Nancy (Craig) Riveland, Moorhead, MN, Kathy (Gary) Kirk, Carrollton, GA, Liz (Brian Gunufson) Lisburg, Fertile, MN, Sarah (Al) Wiggins, Cedartown, GA, Paul Erickson, Fargo, ND, and Jeff (Leslie) Nelson, St. Simons Island, GA; eleven great grandchildren, Erika and Garrett (Erin) Lisburg, Braiden Gunufson, Austin and Hunter Kirk, Hannah and Clay Riveland, Kai and Hunter Erickson, Sofie Runyon, and Mary Harmon Nelson; one great-great grandchild, Aubree Lisburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Hazel is preceded in death by her parents, John and Ida; husband, Conrad (1998); brothers and sisters in law, Walter and Betty Ashling and Lester and Ardis Ashling; sister and brother in law, Bernice and Ray Sannes; niece and nephew in law, Sheila and Mike Messelt; and Kristen Erickson (Paul’s wife).
Funeral: 11:00 AM, Monday, October 11, 2021 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN. Due to COVID 19 concerns, please wear a mask when attending the visitation and funeral.
Visitation: One hour before the funeral at the church.
Interment: Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.
