Esther Grace Nelson, 89, of Northwood, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Esther Grace Nelson was born on Sept. 13, 1922, in Lyle, Minn., the daughter of Christan and Nelena (Johnson) Stromley. Esther attended rural country schools near Northwood. She was united in marriage to Raymond Nelson on Feb. 16, 1940, in Northwood. Raymond preceded her in death on Sept. 7, 1986. After their marriage Raymond and Esther farmed around the Deer Creek and Lyle, Minn. area.

Esther enjoyed her flower garden, raising chickens and baking, but her great love and enjoyment was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of First Shell Rock Lutheran Church and the church circle.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Raymond (Lois) Nelson of Red Wing, Minn., Shirley Hoadley of Northwood, Louise (Glen) Hagen of Albert Lea, Minn., Judy (Jim) Rea of Lake Mills, Minn., Ron (Deb) Nelson of Albert Lea, Rose (Bob) Sanden of Joice, Iowa, and Kay Virchow of Glenville, Minn.; 18 grandchildren, numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; five brothers, Reuben (Helen) Stromley of Mason City, Iowa, Robert Stromley of Brunswick, Ga., Rodney (Wilma) Stromley of Mason City, Wayne Stromley of Mason City, and Michael (Donna) Stromley of Florida; three sisters, Barbara of Mason City, Marjorie (Dean) of Mason City, and Rachel of Albert Lea; daughter-in-law, Joann Nelson of Austin; sister-in-law, Eleanor Stromley of Manly, Minn. and Martha Von Hagen of Estherville, Iowa; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many other extended family members and friends.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband Raymond; two children, John and Katherine Nelson; brothers and sisters, George, Obert, Chester, Roger, Kenneth, Ardith, Sadie, and Ruby Mae.

A funeral service for Esther will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 13, 2012, at the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church in Northwood, with Pastor Erich Hoeft officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S, Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Friday at the church. Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S, Northwood, is in charge of the arrangements.