Nancy J. Nelson

Nancy J. Nelson, 58, Moorhead, MN, died on Monday, April 8, 2013, in her home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, following a challenging battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Nancy Jean Mathiason was born on March 7, 1955, in Minneapolis, MN, to Shirley and Eileen Knutson Mathiason. She grew up and attended school in Richfield, MN, where she graduated from high school. She graduated from Mankato State College and began her career teaching high school home economics in Erskine, MN. Nancy was next employed by the University of Minnesota as an Extension Agent in Warren, MN, where she met her future husband, David Nelson. She attended the University of North Dakota, where she earned her Master’s Degree. Nancy married David Nelson on October 25, 1986, in Richfield, MN. They established their home in Warren, MN. In 1992, they moved to Moorhead, where she became the first full-time Community Resource Extension Agent in the state. She enjoyed working with the local businesses in the communities that she served. In 1994, Nancy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and retired for health reasons in 2002.

Nancy was an active volunteer at St. Joseph’s School in Moorhead, where her children attended. Her greatest joy was her children, Joshua and Ashley; running them between sporting and musical activities. She was also a collector, and loved going to auction sales and antique shows.

She is survived by her husband David, son Joshua, and daughter Ashley all of Moorhead, MN; brothers David Sharon Mathiason, Webster, NY, and Richard Leslie Mathiason, Bloomington, MN; nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn her passing is her best friend, Jane Vanyo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary; nephew Michael and niece, Jennifer.

Visitation: Friday, April 12, 2013, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral: Saturday, April 13, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment: Saints Peter and Paul Calvary Cemetery, Warren, MN.