The funeral service for Ella Caroline Nelson of Ellendale will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the First Lutheran Church in Ellendale. The Rev. Arne Halbakken will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Ellendale. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery, Ellendale.
Ella died on Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, at the New Richland Care Center, New Richland. She was 104 years old.
Ella was born in Bath Township, Freeborn County on Oct. 3, 1904, the daughter of Andrew and Maria (Norby) Lageson. Ella was baptized in 1904 and confirmed June 1, 1919, at the First Lutheran Church in Ellendale. She attended grade school in the Ellendale area and Ellendale High School through the 10th grade where she played on the basketball team. She was married to Oluf L. Nelson on May 18, 1927, at the First Lutheran Church in Ellendale. Ella had been a 4-H leader and a member of the Friendship Club.
Ella loved to cook for anyone who stopped by her house and was especially noted for her scalloped potatoes and always having the coffee pot on. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, embroidery, and took pride in the chickens she raised.
Ella is survived by her children: Marion Motz of Ellendale, James O. (Lila) Nelson of Trempealeau, Wis., David A. (Zetty Claire) Nelson of Owatonna; grandchildren: James (Marian) Motz of Rochester, Gary (Jodi) Motz of Mason City, Iowa, Ronald (Aileen) Motz of Ellendale, Wallace (Bunny) Nelson of Winona, Donna (Jon) Vetsch of Trempealeau, Wis., Doug Nelson of Faribault, Brian (Barb) Nelson of De Witt, Neb., Brad (Sharon) Nelson of Rochester, Gregg (Denise) Nelson of Adrian; 25 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law: Elaine Lageson of Roseville; several nieces and nephews.
Ella was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Oluf; brothers: Carl, Edward, Elmer, Ephraim and Maynard; sisters: Agnes Fosse, Anna Jensen, Emma Nelson and Hannah Larson; son-in-law, Evens Motz.
Ella will be missed by her family and all who knew and loved her, especially her grandsons who will be casket bearers: James Motz, Gary Motz, Ronald Motz, Wallace Nelson, Doug Nelson, Brian Nelson, Brad Nelson and Gregg Nelson; and her honorary casket bearer, granddaughter, Donna Vetsch.