Elaine Nelson

October 29, 1924 - January 10, 2017

Elaine G. Nelson, 92, of Franklin died Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at her home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2017 from St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Franklin with burial to follow in the Franklin Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 10 until 11 a.m., at the church. Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com. Gertrude Elaine Nelson, the daughter of Palmer and Gertrude Lund, was born October 29, 1924 in Franklin. She received her formal education in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School in 1942. Following graduation, Elaine worked as a clerk in her parents’ store until 1954. In 1951, Elaine married Clarence Nelson. The couple started wheat farming in Montana in 1954; they retired in 1976. Elaine was active in her church, teaching Sunday school and serving on the flower committee and Mission Action Committee, as well as making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Her other interests included photography, trying new recipes, decorating her home, and hosting coffee and dinner parties. In the summer, Elaine loved doing garden and yard work; in the winter, she spent her free time making quilts. Nature was a big part of her life. Elaine also belonged to the Renville Sibley Humane Society. She loved animals and was usually seen driving with her dog in the car. When Clarence was in the nursing home, Elaine took her beloved dog, Bingo, daily to the nursing home to entertain the residents. She is survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many friends. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Clarence in December 1990. Blessed be her memory.