Andrea Bette Nelson

Andrea Bette Nelson was born October 4, 1939, in Garner, Iowa to Marius, who immigrated from Denmark at age 14, and Delores (Bennett) Nielsen. She was the second of four children: brothers, Lee and Don and sister, Nancy. She was baptized at home October 27, 1942, and confirmed her faith on March 29, 1953, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner. She lived next to the Lutheran parsonage in Garner. She had many interactions with the pastor and his family; she often babysat their children. She attended and taught Sunday school and youth group.

Andrea graduated from Garner High School in 1957. She was involved with many of the vocal music groups. In December 1957, she met the love of her life Loren Nelson on a blind date. The couple was married on June 11, 1958, in Waukon, Iowa. July 8, 1959, Loren joined the United States Navy and left for San Diego, California and in October, Andrea joined him and lived on Coronado Island. The couple was blessed with son, Kim born in January 1959, daughter, Cindy born in May 1960, and son, David in November 1961. After Loren was discharged from the Navy and the family moved to Clear Lake, Iowa, they were blessed with son, Robert in March 1963. In 1964, they moved to Denison and Andrea was a stay-at-home mother, devoting her time and energy to her family. She had always wanted to be a nurse and in 1969 a spot opened at the LPN class in Carroll and she grabbed it. In 1981, she went back to school and finished her degree as a Registered Nurse. She retired from her nursing career after 34 years. It made it easier for her to retire as computers and paperwork were taking away from patient care.

Her love of baking was known in the community as she donated to every bake sale and most of her baked goods disappeared before the sale started. The grandkids will especially miss her cookies. Her greatest love was for her Lord and Savior. The family have been members of Our Savior Lutheran Church for over 50 years. Andrea and Loren rarely missed a service unless it was Christmas Tree season, as she was co-owner at Evergreen Acres in Denison.

Andrea passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2023, at Gracewell-Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, attaining the age of 83 years.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Loren; son, Kim; brothers: Lee and Donald (Nancy) Nielsen; sister, Nancy Hogan; and Loren's eight siblings and their spouses. Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Cindy; sons: David (Terese) and Robert (Emma); seven grandchildren: Christopher (Michelle) Nelson, Jenna Nelson, Kelly Nelson, Tayler Acott, Summer Nelson, Dustin (Caitlyn) Nelson, and Connor Nelson; five great-grandchildren: Lorren, Lilah, Lewis and Liberty Nelson (parents: Dustin & Caitlyn Nelson), Emek Williams (parents: Summer Nelson & Matt Williams); sisters-in-law: Vicki Nielsen, Merna Torkelson and Shirley Nelson; many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison with a service to follow at 1:00 pm. Interment will be held in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens. Memorials may be directed to the family at 2931 O Avenue, Denison, Iowa 51442.