Kendra Lynn Nelson

Kendra Nelson, age 67, of Benson, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday evening, June 4, 2024, at her home. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 10, 2024, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will continue from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Pastor Steve Carmany will officiate the service. Interment will be in Benson City Cemetery.

Kendra Lynn Nelson was born November 13, 1956, in Montevideo, Chippewa County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Kenneth Vernon and Evonne Carol (Swenson) Fragodt. She was baptized by Rev. C. T. Jenson at Westbank Lutheran Church and was confirmed in 1972. Kendra grew up in Benson, Minnesota, graduating from Benson High School with the class of 1975. She furthered her education in Sales and Marketing at the Willmar Technical Institute in Willmar, Minnesota.

On December 18, 1976, Kendra was united in marriage to Kipp Knuteson at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota. Pastor Lyle Rich officiated the ceremony. To this union Kecia (Knuteson) Kalisch and Kallem Knuteson were born.

She was later united in marriage to David James Nelson. She raised her family in Big Lake, Minnesota and worked part-time at various retail stores. She later moved to Annandale, Minnesota, before returning to her hometown of Benson, MN where she lived with her special friend Larry Hilleren.

In her younger years, Kendra was very active in the Jaycees, and she more recently was involved with the Humane Society.  She was a dog lover and treasured her precious Toby. She enjoyed bowling, gardening, playing games, spending time at the lake, fishing and being outdoors. She loved nature and was a hunter of morel mushrooms and wild asparagus. She knew all the “secret” spots.

Kendra was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She will be remembered for her grateful and compassionate heart. She had a special spirit about her that will always be remembered.

Kendra leaves behind her children Kecia Kalisch of Zimmerman, MN, and Kallem Knuteson of Cambridge, MN; and seven grandchildren: Alyssa Kalisch, Carson Kalisch, Lacie Kalisch, James Knuteson, Colten Knuteson, Grace Knuteson, and Savannah Knuteson; and special family member Jay Hilleren (Larry’s son) of Willmar, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Evonne Fragodt; brother Kendall Fragodt and special friend Larry Hilleren.