St. Hilaire – Shirley Nelson, a devoted mother and grandmother, and beloved sister, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Grand Forks, ND with her family by her side. Born on November 6, 1944, in Roseau, Shirley’s life was marked by kindness, dedication, and a welcoming spirit that touched all who knew her.
Shirley was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Warroad. She graduated from Warroad High School in May 1962 and pursued her passion for numbers and organization by attending Thief River Falls Area Vocational School for Accounting and Bookkeeping.
On May 6, 1967, Shirley was united in marriage to Ronald Nelson at Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Michael and Jeanne.
Following her education, Shirley applied her skills in accounting roles at Bridgeman’s, Johnson Reels of Mankato, and Arctic Cat. Her career culminated as Fiscal Supervisor for Pennington County Social Services – a position she held with great pride until her retirement in 2007. Her diligence, integrity and gentle nature in her work was not only important but also rewarding for Shirley and admired by her colleagues.
A woman of many interests, Shirley found great pleasure in gardening and tending to her flowers. Her love of nature and the outdoors extended to many, many fishing trips, hours admiring the hummingbirds, and season upon season of berry picking. She was also an avid collector – everything from Precious Moments and Seraphim Angels, to crystalware and even coins. Above all, Shirley loved fiercely. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and anyone who took the time to read her seven favorite sweatshirts knew that. She was so proud of her “grandmother” title.
Shirley was also a fighter. She courageously battled Parkinson’s disease for over 25 years, a feat not many get to achieve. This was due in large part to the amazing support she had over the years. First and foremost, Julia (and Milo), who not only took on the role of caregiver, but more importantly friend. The countless hours that Julia invested in Shirley and her care is beyond extraordinary. Shirley was also blessed with the incredible Dr. Sarah and her amazing nurse Laurie, wonderful Dr. Belzberg, and many phenomenal therapists and caregivers.
Shirley is survived by her children, Michael (Julia and Milo) Nelson and Jeanne (Jeff) McBride; her grandchildren, Alexander Nelson, Dylan Nelson, Avery McBride, Landon McBride, Lucas Sanders, and Finley Nelson; her brothers and sisters, Warren (Carol) Thompson, Glen Thompson, Don (Ardis) Thompson, Wanda (Paul) Rutherford, and Sue Thunder; sister-in-law, Sherry Thompson; and brother-in-law, Mark Beedy. She is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ron; her parents, Harley and Evelyn Thompson; her brother, Leonard Thompson; and her sister, Bonnie Beedy.
Shirley Nelson’s life was a testament to love and dedication. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
The service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Reverend Stephanie White officiating.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5­–7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 5 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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