Mary Nelson

Mary Jane Nelson, age 94, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, April 22, 2022, at her home in Austin. Mary was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Manuel and Paula (Rubalcaba) Gonzalez on October 28, 1927. She graduated from Albert Lea High School. On February 18, 1949, Mary was united in marriage to Donald Nelson at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Albert Lea. Their union was blessed with six children. Mary worked as the secretary for the Dean at the Austin Community College for 22 years. She was the president of the union. Mary was an avid collector of marbles, granite eggs, and crystals. She enjoyed going to rummage sales, having lunch with her friends, and driving with her husband every summer to see their children. Mary also loved to read and exercise; but her passion was aerobics. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

Survivors include her children, Thomas (Kim) Nelson of Austin, MN, Sharon (Maurice) Gerek of Delray Beach, FL, Craig (Peggy) Nelson of Tampa, FL, Rick (Tamara Peasha) Nelson of Austin, MN, Patrick Nelson of Keewatin, MN, and John (Lynn) Nelson of Eau Claire, WI; 12 grandchildren, Jenne Harris, Angela Cole, Allie Puyleart, Tarsha LeBarron, Dustin Nelson, Sam Nelson, Julia Collins, Kyle Gilbert, Shaina Sakiman, Christopher Eckhoff, Abby Eckhoff, and Tucker Nelson; 10 great grandchildren; brothers, Sam Gonzalez and John Gonzalez. She was preceded in death by her parents Manuel and Paula Gonzalez; husband, Donald Nelson in 2010; grandson, Jacob Nelson and Kirk Gilbert; sister, Margaret Gulbrandson; and brothers, Eli, Jay, and Peter.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 25, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.