Ardath L. Nelson

Ardath Loyal Nelson was born June 2, 1914 in Shevlin, Minnesota, the son of Laura and Andrew Nelson. He was educated in Shevlin with additional art instruction in St. Paul, Minnesota. He served in the US Merchant Marines through World War II. On September 24, 1944, Ardath was united in marriage to Thelma Opheim of Shevlin and they made their home in Minneapolis for 56 years. They moved to Decorah in 2003. He retired from Lund’s Supermarkets in Minneapolis and enjoyed many years filled with travel, hobbies and volunteer work. A humble man, he underestimated the impact of his service to others and devotion to family. Ardath died Saturday, July 31, 2004 at Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah at the age of 90 years. He is survived by his wife, Thelma Nelson of Decorah; children, Marilyn (Loyal) Rue of Decorah; Loyal Nelson of Rochester, MN.; Cynthia (Jerry) Anderson of Tacoma, WA.; seven grandchildren, Carl, Anna and Elena Rue, Loyal, Shin and Leif Nelson, Loren and Stephanie Anderson; a sister, Yzetta Nelson of Minneapolis, MN. ; two brothers, Andreas Nelson of Minneapolis, MN. and Loren (Enza) Nelson of Ukiah, CA and many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 P.M. Thursday, August 5, 2004 at River of Life Lutheran Church, 2200 North Fremont, Minneapolis, MN. Burial will be in Glen Haven Cemetery in Minneapolis. Friends may call from 11:00 A.M. until the services on Thursday at the Church. Arrangements were completed by Washburn-McReavy Chapels in Minneapolis (612) 377-2203. Local arrangements were completed by Fjelstul Funeral Home. Memorials are preferred to Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital Hospice, 901 Montgomery St., Decorah, IA 52101; Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home, 911 Ridgewood Drive, Decorah, IA 52101 or River of Life Lutheran Church, 2200 North Fremont, Minneapolis, MN The family is thankful for the loving care Ardath received from the staff at Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home, Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital Hospice, Monica Artes, Dr. Eliza Sangmuah, Carmen Asmus and for friends and relatives who have kept us in their prayers.