Arleen Frances Nelson, 88, passed away on April 9, 2013, surrounded by her family.

She was born on June 7, 1924, in Renova, Minn., to Royal and Ida Cross Lagervall. Arleen grew up in Elkton, Minn. She graduated from Elkton High School in 1942. After high school, she earned a certificate in cosmetology and also worked for Twin City Federal. During World War II, she worked in the defense plant. Arleen met Erling (Bud) Nelson on the dance floor of the Terp Ballroom and they married in 1955 in Osage, Iowa. They lived in several states before settling in Jefferson, Iowa, where they owned and operated the 4-N Drive Inn until they retired. Arleen was a member of First United Methodist Church. She was active in veteran’s organizations and served as the Iowa State DAV Auxiliary Commander. Her free time activities included traveling, bridge and visiting family.

Arleen was preceded in death by her son Brad, and by her parents, brother Don, sister Babe and great-granddaughter Isabel.

Arleen is survived by her spouse, Erling, of Jefferson, Iowa; her daughters, Paula (Gary) Rabine and Rande (David) Garnett, both of St. Louis Park, Minn.; her sister Yvonne (Nels) Lee of Blooming Prarie, Minn.; her grandchildren Abigail, Samantha, Alexander, Matthew, Brigitte, Joanna, Jon and Meri; her great-grandchildren Olivia, Blake, Gavin and Kevin; and her nieces and nephews and other relatives.

A funeral service will be held at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel, 7625 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, Minn., at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, with Pastor Skip Reeves officiating. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m., preceding the service. Condolences may be sent to the house or left on Arleen’s online guest book at www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/Arleen-Nelson.