Bertha Leonora Nelson, age 86 of Rochester, Minn. died Thursday, March 19, 2009 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.
Bertha was born May 12, 1922 in Marshall Township, to Martin and Nora (Erager) Severson.
A graduate of Adams High School, in Adams, Minn. Bertha worked as a legal secretary in Washington, D.C. during World War II.  Bertha met Laurel Nelson while dancing at the Terp Ballroom in Austin.  They were married on Sept. 22, 1946 at the Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams. 
A lifelong member of Little Cedar Lutheran Church, Bertha taught Sunday school and was a member of the church circle. In her spare time, Bertha enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, visiting and was an avid dog lover.  Bertha especially loved to spend time with her family. 
Bertha is survived by her sons: Gailen (Mary Lu) Nelson, Rose Creek; Gerald (Jan) Nelson, Byron, Minn.; Bradley Nelson, Eagan, Minn.; Daughter: Pamela (Rick) Loux, Stewartville, Minn.; 12 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister-in-law:  Monica Severson, Austin; nieces and nephews.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Nora Severson; husband, Laurel Nelson; three brothers and one sister.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, March 23, 2009 at the Adams Funeral Home with the Rev. Shari Mason Officiating.  Interment will be in Little Cedar Lutheran Cemetery in Adams.  Visitation will be at the Adams Funeral Home on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. and for one hour before the service at the funeral home on Monday.
Casket Bearers will be Thomas Nelson, Garett Nelson, Joshua Nelson, Rachel Nelson, Chris Nelson, Chad Nelson, Chelsi Nelson, Jacob Loux, Zachary Loux and Emily Loux.