Thief River Falls – Sandra Nelson, 66, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Friday, October 29, 2021 at her daughter Kristie’s home near Grygla.
Sandra Kay Olson was born September 24, 1955 in Thief River Falls, the daughter of Harley Erdman and Delores Jean (Wynne) Olson. She was baptized into the Catholic faith. She attended school in Thief River Falls.
On February 1, 1974 Sandra was united in marriage to Elmer Carl Nelson in St. Hilaire. They made their home in Thief River Falls. To this union five children were born: Kristie, Karen, Kari, Michael and Matthew.
Sandra worked at various places in the Thief River Falls area including The Covered Wagon, Crestview Nursing Home, Northwest Medical Center, and most recently she worked in housekeeping at the Thief River Care Center. Sandra was a very hard worker her entire life, she rarely missed a day of work.
Sandra enjoyed family get-togethers at Maple Lake, birthday celebrations, and she enjoyed her grandchildren the most! Sandra loved all holiday celebrations with Christmas being her favorite.
She also collected knick-knacks and crosses. She listened to Christmas music year-round, but she loved her oldies, especially Chubby Checker’s “The Twist,” and who can forget her unique Twist Dance? Sandra was a wonderful cook and was famous for her ham gravy. Her family was never allowed to leave without a full belly.
Sandy was one who could not keep a secret in her family; she always knew how to start a fire but also found a way to put it out again. She was very protective of her family and straightforward. She always made sure that her kids and grandkids came first and never went without.
She loved sitting in the yard, suntanning, mowing lawn and enjoyed having “a coldie.” She was lovingly known as “Ms. Old Mil” by many of her family and friends. Sandra collected movies and had her own video vault; there was always a movie playing. A few of her favorites include: Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, any Hallmark Christmas movies or horror movies.
She loved her animals very much, including Scruffy, Molly Mae, Mea Dog, Fat Kitty, Lucky, Skinny Mini, Tiny, Harley May, Sam, Chucky and Spooks; they all enjoyed the home cooked meals.
Survivors include her loving five children, Kristie (Jared) Moe, Karen (Jason) Hepsak, Kari (TJ Rux) Nelson, Mike Nelson and Matt Nelson; eight grandchildren, Alexis Moe, Ashley Moe, Avery Moe, Mercedes Sistad, Brandon Hepsak, Payden Nelson, Kaidence Nelson and Theron Nelson; siblings, Kenny Olson, Pattie (Rodney) Carlson, Norman (Cheryl) Olson, Debra (Glen) Limesand and Steve Olson; brother-in-law, Fred Zinter; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer in 2012; parents; and siblings, Cindy Zinter, Jeff Olson and Darryl Olson.
The service to celebrate Sandra’s life will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Vicar Rev. Marilyn Grafstrom officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Private family burial will be at Silverton Cemetery, rural Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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