Ada Nelson-Matz, 1930-2015

Published 9:32 am Friday, April 17, 2015

Ada Frances (Sorem) Nelson-Matz was born on Aug. 4, 1930, in Mountain Lake to Alfred and Rena (Iverson) Sorem. She was baptized at an early age and later confirmed at Amo Lutheran Church in Storden in 1945. She received her education from Storden Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1948, and then went on to receive nurses’ training.

Ada Nelson-Matz

On Sept. 14, 1951, Ada was united in marriage to Jay Nelson at Amo Lutheran Church in Storden. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Dean and Duane. Ada worked at several jobs through the years as a nurse, working at TORO, cleaning houses for people and doing wallpaper and painting. Jay passed away on Dec. 16, 1987.

On Sept. 9, 1989, Ada was united in marriage to Herbert Matz at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. After their marriage, Ada and Herbert lived in Walters.

Ada was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2015, at St. John’s Lutheran Community in Albert Lea at the age of 84.

Ada enjoyed gardening, crocheting, cooking, baking, dancing and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Herbert Matz, of Albert Lea; sons Dean (Karla) Nelson of Storden and Duane (Jean) Nelson of Prior Lake; four grandchildren, Kali (Dan) Quade, Jaycee Nelson, Jordan (Ashley) Nelson and Sarah Nelson; two great-grandchildren, Brekyn and Kendra Nelson; Herb’s family and grandchildren; half-brothers and sisters Al (Laurie) Sorem of Brainerd, Karen (Kent) Jeppesen of Hastings, Eric (Nancy) Sorem of Loveland, Colorado Krista (Carl) Kukol of Bakersfield, California, and Kristov Sorem of Dallar, Oregon; brother-in-law, Howard Nelson, of Westbrook; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Lena Sorem; husband, Jay Nelson; grandson, Cody Nelson; sister, Lucille Sorem; brother, Harry Sorem; and brothers and sisters-in-law Dorothy Sorem, Milton and Evelyn Yahnke, Dale and Norma Nelson and Helen Nelson.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the St. John’s Lutheran Community chapel in Albert Lea. Those coming to greet Herb will be most appreciated.

A memorial service for Ada will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook with the Rev. Bruce Berg officiating. Burial will follow in Westbrook Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook.