Memorial services for Vivian M. Nelson, age 88, will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 12, at the First Baptist Church, Clarks Grove. The Rev. Roger Davies will officiate. Interment will be in the Clarks Grove Cemetery. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Vivian died on Sunday, May 9, 2004, at Thorne Crest North where she had been a resident for the last four years.

Vivian Marie Nelson was born on May 10, 1915, in Albert Lea, the daughter of Nels and Hannah Larson. She resided in the Clarks Grove area her entire life. She attended school in Lerdal. On Feb. 19, 1936, Vivian was united in marriage to Merrill M. Nelson in Clarks Grove. She helped her husband farm from 1936 to 1955. Vivian helped with her husband’s business, Merrill’s Popcorn Stand, for 33 years. She made caramel corn and popcorn balls in her home and went to many Freeborn County Fairs. Vivian was a member of the First Baptist Church of Clarks Grove for 68 years. She loved to cook and take care of her flowers and her garden. She had a very generous heart and loved to give. Vivian loved her grandchildren and was very proud of them. All of her grandchildren have dishtowels and pillowcases that she cross-stitched. God has called her home, may she rest in peace.

Survivors include her children: Warren and his wife Bonnie Nelson of North Dallas, Texas, and Dick and his wife Paulette Nelson of Clarks Grove; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brother, Gilbert and his wife Harriet Larson of Lerdal; sisters: Vanda Dunn of Corona, Calif., and Doris and her husband Corney Kraay of Arizona; and nieces and nephews.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Merrill; daughter, Kathy Johnson; sisters: Annie Peterson, Ella Posthumus, and Emma Sorenson; and her brother, Ray Larson.

Memorials are preferred to the Clarks Grove Cemetery or to Youth For Christ.