Doris Nelson, 78, of Austin, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009 at the Austin Medical Center.
Doris Ann Benson was born Jan. 1, 1931 in Parshall, N.D. to Lloyd O. and Anna (Ebel) Benson. She graduated from Lidgerwood High School in 1948 and, after moving to Minnesota, graduated as a Registered Nurse from Naeve Hospital School of Nursing, Albert Lea, Minn. Doris began her nursing career working as an obstetrics nurse at St. Olaf Hospital. She retired from nursing on May 28, 1998. She was a very skilled nurse and proud of her profession. Her love of nursing influenced family members to pursue careers in medicine. On Oct. 13, 1957, Doris married Charles L. Nelson at First United Methodist Church in Austin. She raised three children, Leah, Paul, and Jim. Doris enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, and more recently a good cup of coffee and conversation.
Survivors include son, James (Debra) Nelson, Austin; daughter, Leah (Tim) Nordquist, Eden Prairie; grandson, Thomas Nordquist, Eden Prairie; sister, Eleanor Rasmussen, Austin.; and many beloved nieces, nephews and their spouses.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harold and Robert; sister, Virginia Kreuger; son, Paul; and, within the last year, her husband, Charles.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010 at Fellowship United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Tamke officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Oakland, Minn. Friends may call at the church one hour before the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.