Hazel Nelson

Hazel K. Nelson of Trail, MN died June 30, 2009 at the age of 88 at the Neilson Place in Bemidji with her family at her side. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Sand Valley Lutheran Church at Trail, MN. Hazel Kathlyn Nelson was born April 17, 1921 to Halvor and Caroline (Klemmetson) Voxland on the Voxland farm rural Lessor Township, Polk County, McIntosh. Hazel grew up on the family farm along with four sisters and two brothers. She was raised in a Christian home that taught her Christian values and principles, and as she matured she developed a sound faith in Jesus Christ, which she valued and lived her entire life. As a child and teenager she attended Trinity Lutheran Church of rural McIntosh and enjoyed participating in various activities.Living on the farm she learned many valuable skills along with a sound work ethic, that was evident her whole life. She always spoke with great fondness of her family, their home, and with great respect for her parents.On August 12, 1941 she married Melvin H. Nelson. They spent their working years farming at rural Trail where they raised their four children.Hazels commitment and love for her family was evident every day in the meticulous care she put in everything she did, from baking, cooking and canning to sewing and gardening. When she wasn't a homemaker she was her husbands right hand man helping with the cattle, fencing or whatever needed to be done.Leaving the farm was hard for Hazel as she had a love for the farm and its wholesome way of life and valued greatly the ability to work.They moved to Trail in 1977. Melvin died in May of 1983. Hazel was a member of Sand Valley Lutheran Church and served in various capacities.Hazel moved to the Neilson Place in September of 2007 for recovery and rehab after breaking her leg.She is survived by three children: Gerald (Annette) Nelson of Trail, Joyce (David) Austad of Oklee, John (Julie) Nelson of Clearbrook, daughter-in-law Sharon Nelson of Clearbrook, eight grandchildren: Jason, Marissa, Shani, Dean, DeAnn, Maria, Jennifer and Mick; twelve great-grandchildren; a niece she held in high regard Sandra (Obert) Sunsdahl of Thief River Falls, one brother Jerome (Bernice) Voxland, three sisters Jordis (Bob) Dotson, Dulton Gardens, ID, Evelyn Lambert, Moorhead, MN, Luella Wignes, Wexford, PA.She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin, son, Gene, one great-grandchild, one sister, Ardell Ostgarden and one brother Harlan