A. Gloria Nelson

Alpha Gloria Nelson was born May 29, 1928 in Graceville, Minnesota, the daughter of Joseph Sr. and Ellen (Harris) Lufkins.  Gloria was raised in the Sisseton, South Dakota area, where she attended Country School through the Eighth Grade.  On February 23, 1961 Gloria was united in marriage to Andrew “Andy” Nelson at the Herman and Emma Sachs Farm.  This union was blessed with 39 years together.

Gloria and Andy farmed, gardened, and raised livestock in the Appleton area until their retirement in 1978.  Gloria loved to work outside and was a wonderful “handywoman.”  She served on the Prairie 5 Board for 25 years, was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Appleton and was the eldest living member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate.  Gloria enjoyed watching professional baseball and golf, doing word-finds, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.  Most of all, Gloria loved being a Grandma to her 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Gloria passed away Friday evening, June 28, 2019 in the Appleton Area Health Services –Care Center.  She attained 91 years and 29 days of age.  Gloria is survived by her daughter, Karla (Corey) Schmidt of Appleton; step-daughter, Hazel Borreson of Mora; foster children: Gila (Greg) Robertson of Appleton, Kodah (Kathy) Dumarce of Marshall, and Dancer “Butch” (Sam) Dumarce of Appleton; 9 grandchildren: Chyanna Schmidt, Lisa (Patrick) Donovan, Jon (Julie) Tofte, Kristine (Josh) Raymo, Tessa (Ryan) Dunham, Carly Koskela, and Austin Robertson, Brock Dumarce, Jayce Dumarce; 7 great-grandchildren: Wynter and Kynzington Cox, Zane Raymo, Matthew, Brandon, Nathan, and Kaitlyn Tofte; brother, John Sr. (Peggy) Redday of Sisseton, SD; sisters-in-law, Eula Lufkins of Ada, OK and Julia Lufkins of Sioux Falls, SD; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew “Andy” Nelson on February 13, 2000; her parents, Joseph and Ellen Lufkins; step-father, Hank Redday; step-daughter, Kathryn Tofte; step-son, Wayne Borreson; parents-in-law, William and Marie Nelson; brothers: Curtis, Joseph, and Kenny Lufkins; sisters: Gladys White, Coretta Walker, and Grace Redday.  Blessed be the memory of Gloria Nelson.

Visitation will be held 1-2 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 3rd at Zniewski Funeral Home –Vaala Chapel in Appleton.  Pastor Herbert Rotunda will officiate.  Burial will be in the Appleton City Cemetery.