Selma J. Nelson

Funeral Services for Selma J. Nelson of Morris, Minnesota will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church in Morris with visitation one hour prior.  Reverend Minette Stalheim Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in Summit Cemetery in Morris.

Selma Josephine Akre was born on May 20, 1928, in Synnes Township, Stevens County, Minnesota the daughter of Frans and Jette (Jenson) Akre. She grew up on a farm in Synnes Township and attended country school, District 37. She graduated from Alberta High School, Class of 1946.

On January 1, 1948, she married Leslie “Les” Nelson at Long Lake Lutheran Church. The couple made their home on a farm near Chokio, then moved to a farm in Pepperton Township near Donnelly and later purchased a farm in Synnes Township near Alberta. Eventually, they moved to Morris and lived at West Central Homes and she most recently resided at Legacy Assisted Living.

Selma was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Morris, the Morris V.F.W. and Legion Auxiliary, the Pepperton Homemakers Club and the Synnes Tuesday Club. Along with being a farmwife and homemaker, she worked as a bookkeeper at Firestone Tire in Morris and at Meadow Magic Sewing as a seamstress.

She enjoyed volunteering, delighted in her children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending as many of their sporting activities as possible, was an excellent cook and baker, enjoyed quilting and crafting, served as a District Officer in the V.F.W. Auxiliary and was active in her church with the Ladies Aid and church circles. Les and Selma spent many Saturday nights on the dance floor. They also toured with the Sons of Norway Dancers.

Selma died peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at her home at Legacy Assisted Living in Morris. She was 97 years old.

Survivors include her children, Linda (Wayne) Staab of Faribault, Harlan (Vickie) Nelson of New Brighton, Beverly Nelson of Littleton, CO, and Dwayne (Darla) Nelson of Morris; sister, Agnes Searle of Morris; grandchildren, Erica (Matt) Staab-Absher of Faribault, Douglas (Sarah) Nelson of Elbow Lake, Amanda Nelson of New Brighton, Daniel (Michelle) Nelson of Donnelly, Amy (Jon)Vetter of Westside, IA, Inga (Nick) Carland of Colorado Springs, CO and Diana (Karson) Zych of Chokio; great-grandchildren, Arctic Staab, Kalea and Marina Absher, Coleman and Clara Carland, Jack and Autumn Nelson, Braxton, Braedyn, Briggs and Brecklynn Nelson and Lennon and Hattie Zych; honorary grandsons, Quincy Barber and Jobe Fritz; nieces Angela Shelstad of Madison and Elaine (Rodger) Olson of Prior Lake and nephew, Lowell (Jan) Searle of Morris.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frans and Jette; husband, Leslie “Les”; grandson, Mitchell Staab, brother-in-law, Harold Searle and nephew-in-law, Curtis Shelstad.

The family would like to thank the Legacy Assisted Living staff and Bivi Hospice for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Long Lake Cemetery, c/o Stuart & Cindy Brustuen, 560 – 230th Ave. NW, Appleton, MN 56208.

The Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of the arrangements for Selma. To send condolences to the family, visit www.pedersenfh.com.