LaVine Eileen Nelson, 84, of Owatonna, Minn., died Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

LaVine was born to Alfred and Gertie (Johnson) Nelson on Feb. 3, 1929, in rural Mower County, Minn. She was raised on the family farm and attended Lyle High School, where she met Lloyd Nelson. After they graduated in 1947, Lloyd attended Luther College while they continued their relationship. The couple was united in marriage on Oct. 20, 1950, after which LaVine worked for a short while at Luther College. Lloyd joined the Army in 1951, and the couple moved to San Francisco where their first son, Daniel, was born in 1952. Later they moved to Owatonna, where LaVine worked as a secretary for the Owatonna Public School district. They had their second son, Thomas, in 1956.

Lloyd and LaVine were active in both the community and their church, Trinity Lutheran. LaVine sang in her home church as a young girl and for the Trinity Lutheran church choir in later years. She enjoyed any card game, especially bridge. She was a great cook, made a happy home, and treated everyone she met with kindness. Her gentle and gracious manner blessed all who knew her. She taught her family to laugh often, give generously, and love unconditionally. Her legacy will always be held in the hearts of those who love her.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd Nelson of Owatonna; two sons, Dan (Mary) Nelson of Fargo, N.D.; Tom (Sandy) Nelson of Urbandale, Iowa; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Denis) Dukov of Chicago; Eric (Maralee) Nelson of Shoreview, Minn.; Kathryn Nelson (and fiance Scott Barnhardt) of Fargo; two great granddaughters Sophia and Greta Nelson of Shoreview; brother Shirll (Marilyn) Nelson of Lyle, Minn.; and brother-in-law Jerry States of Aurora, Colo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Morris Nelson, and sister Maxine States.

Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Julie Malone officiating. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.