Esther Nelson, age 94, formerly of Benson, died Sunday, November 16th, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 21st at 11:00AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson, with Pastor Art Wiese officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial will follow at the Benson City Cemetery. Esther Aletta Nelson was born May 2, 1920, in Benson, Minnesota to William and Ebba Knutson. She was baptized and confirmed in Benson. Esther attended country school and graduated from Benson High School in 1938. On March 25, 1944, Esther was united in marriage to Gerald Carl Nelson at the family farm in Benson. This union was blessed with more than 46 years of marriage, three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Esther and Gerald farmed from 1944 to 1980. Following Gerald's retirement she continued to live on the farm for a couple of years. Esther relocated to town in 1987. In 2008, Esther moved to Red Wing and to St. Louis Park in 2012 until her death. Esther was very involved in Altar Guild and Ladies Aid. Among the things she enjoyed were crocheting, sewing, knitting, canning, and gardening. She loved visiting with family and friends. Esther passed away Sunday, November 16, 2014, in St. Louis Park. She had attained 94 years, 6 months, and 14 days of age. She is survived by her children: Joan McBride of Plymouth, Doug (Cheri) Nelson of Burnsville, and Donna (Scott) Wordelman of Saint Paul; grandchildren: Kyle McBride, Cory McBride, Katie (Zach) Christoff, Brady Nelson, Casey Nelson, Connor Nelson, Ryan Wordelman, and Brent (Kari) Wordelman; and great-grandchildren: Brennan Christoff and Jace Christoff. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Nelson, on April 14, 1990; and sister, Verna Ekberg.
