The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Harriet Nelson, died on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, at PioneerCare Center after a long decline with Alzheimer’s disease.

Harriet was born Oct. 31, 1930, in Crosby, the daughter of George and Minnie Syreen. She graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1948.

After high school, she went to the University of Minnesota, and in 1952, graduated with a degree in elementary education. After graduation she taught for several years including at schools in St. Paul, Roseau, San Diego, Calif., and Minneapolis.

On July 11, 1953, she married Quintin Nelson at the Methodist Church in Crosby. They spent their early married life in Roseau County, San Diego and Minneapolis.

In 1959, they moved to Bloomington, and then to Moorhead, and in 1970, to Fergus Falls where she has lived ever since. They chose Fergus Falls because it is such a pretty town, and it worked with Quintin’s job.

Harriet and her husband, Quintin, enjoyed people, and they frequently spent time with friends and extended family. They were members of Grace United Methodist Church.

Through her years at the church, Harriet was involved in several areas of church life.

She is survived by her children, Nancy (Scott) Palmer of Rock Springs, Wyo.,, Mitchell (Rebecca) Nelson of Fergus Falls, and Ann (Jeff) Ruotsalainen of Cumming, Ga.; and her grandchildren, Ashley Palmer, Christian Ruotsalainen and Abygail Nelson.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and three sisters, Anna Matheson, Lois Appledorn and Jean Crooks.

Memorials in her name may be given to the PioneerCare Center or Grace United Methodist Church.

Burial has taken place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls.

A memorial service is planned at 11 a.m. Saturday, at PioneerCare Celebration Center, 1131 Mabelle Avenue South in Fergus Falls. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com