Kathy Nelson
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On June 15, 2016 @ 4:55 pm In 2016,Obituaries | 14 Comments
On March 25, 1942, Kathleen Emilie Nelson was born to parents Ralph and Alma (Steuer) McDonald. With her family surrounding the bedside, Kathy passed away peacefully on June 14, 2016 at her home in Prior Lake, MN.
A Celebration of Life Service, led by the Reverend Larry Kasten, will be held on Saturday, June 18 at 11 am, with a time of gathering two hours prior, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 833 S. Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. Pall bearers will be Lauren Schrader, Sarah Schrader, Chris Berg, Barb Pinnow, Mary Mahowald and Tammy Beckman. Kathy will be laid to rest with her parents at Concord Hill Cemetery, Lydia, MN.
Kathy grew up on a farm in Lydia and soon married young Royal from Jordan on the 25th of June, 1960. Their adventure quickly began with Royal serving in the Navy and traveling across the country. Soon their family began to grow with the birth of Rick, Shelly, and Paul. After the service they brought their new family back home to settle in Prior Lake. Not before long, the 3 young children had grown into adults and were ready for the beginning of a lifelong friendship from Mom and Dad. The tight bond will forever be there. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together as a family, the food is always a ten, and so was the fun. A bond we are so fortunate to have.
Kathy and Royal own a home up North where they spend most of their time, fishing, cooking and creating memories that will live forever with all of us. Kathy loved to take her girlfriends up north for girls weekends; from Afternoons Ice Fishing, Shamu in the pond, Four wheeler rides in the woods, and numerous other activities we won’t get into – that she liked to instigate so much!
Royal would take the folks out on the pontoon to fish and see the eagle nests, beaver dams, cut trees, four wheeler rides, deer hunting, or hosting afternoon happy hours. Happy they were ….. to say the least.
Kathy made friends wherever she went. She walked up to strangers, touched them with laughter, then her gentle touch, and soon they’re lifelong friends. Kathy was an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, sister, daughter/ in-law, and friend. She has been the town therapist, police force coffee shop, hair stylist for neighbors, seamstress, Wool mitten maker, dancing queen and constant entertainer. Her door was always open to stop by and talk about life. They had countless friends come to their cabin over many years. Kathy made delectable food for non-stop eating. She was a great fisherwoman, ice fisher, sure-shot with the gun, talented painter, crafter and gardener. She has loved her family beyond words and was always there for them. We celebrated every single holiday together and weekly gatherings.
Grandma Kathy helped us and taught us something new every day – how to fish, how to make the best crepes, handmade mittens, Christmas wreaths, how to find the best garage sales. Her friendship and caring nature was appreciated by everyone she touched. Her spirit will live on forever in all of us.
Kathy’s favorite flower was the Pink and White Lady Slipper. Her favorite color was blue. Her favorite song was Paradise by the Dashboard Light. She loved to dance and sing out loud! The girls’ weekends were full of laughter, dancing and singing from the kitchen island stage. Yes they stood on top and sang their hearts out loud. She loved to fish off of the dock. She would always take you on a walk through the woods to see the eagles nest, pick princess pine to make wreaths and look for interesting mushrooms to carve on. She was a gifted painter.
She is survived by loving husband, Royal; children, Rick Nelson, Shelly (George) Skvicalo, Paul (Kristi) Nelson. Kathy also lived through her three grandchildren, Andrew, Lauren, Sarah. She is too survived by her sister, Sally West; many relatives and friends.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Alma McDonald.
Offer Condolence for the family of Kathy Nelson
Print Obituary & Condolences Condolences for the family of “Kathy Nelson”
So sorry to hear of your loss, she was a great person who I had a lot of respect for.
So sorry to read of the passing of your mom, Shelly! Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family at this very difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Nelson Family. Kathy was a great friend to my mother, Deanna! She sure knew how to giggle and have fun.
To the greatest great aunt ever. I miss you and that smile I will never forget.
I think we should have had a mitten tree in her honor. Everyone could bring their mittens to her rememberance of her celebration of life.
Don’t you wonder how many pairs she made for everyone she loved so much?
I shall treasure mine always.
There’s such a whole in my heart.
Love you, dear heart.
Sister Sal!
She is at peace, but likely not resting! Dear Kathy will forever be stirring up heavenly stardust…
With special thoughts and prayers to her family and gratitude for having known her,
Regi and Dick Nachbar
Phil and Liz Thompson are so very sorry for your loss. We have great memories of Kathy. I remember standing on the roof of a building watching the Prior Lake parade with her and all she said was “who carries a big purse to a parade. We had many laughs.
Royal and family
We will always be grateful that we got to know Kathy. She was a wonderful person and so much fun.
Her and I (Francie) will always be known as the “evil twins”.
Thoughts and prayers to you all
Kathy…special friend, popcorn balls, garage sales, Bloody Mary’s, mittens, Girl’s Weekend, special friend, bear tape that scared my girls, Unique, road trips, special friend, Happy Hour, adviser, a very special lady to my husband Scott, pontoon rides, trips to Walker, the cabin, birthdays, special friend forever.
I know my mother will enjoy her company and enjoy the girls weekends in heaven with Kathy as much I did with her here on earth. Just thinking of the all joy and laughter she is sharing with all the new friends she is making has me smiling!
Thank you for sharing your love, wisdom, and joy with me Kathy.
I will miss you and your devilish grin!!
I was so blessed to be welcome to your home so often back in the day… and I treasure those memories! As a mother of boys, I frequently recalled the advice on the bathroom wall… ” My aim is to keep this bathroom clean… your aim will help… ”
Thinking of you all and sending prayers of comfort… Kathleen Kimmel (Kathy Stack) 😉
Shelly and all,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. It’s so hard to see the ones we love leave us! We have the hope of being reunited one day though. Love to all of you.
Royal & kids,
Sorry this is so late.
Kathy had such a great spirit! What an “Energizer Bunny” she was. Regret not stopping in at your cabin all these years, as we are just down the road to rekindle our friendship.
Larry Eiden
Click here to print.
Article printed from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
URL to article: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com/kathleen-nelson/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2015 Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. All rights reserved.
I miss you already Auntie Kathy. Your 20 plus year battle with that horrid cancer is over. I love you to the moon and back. Until we meet again RIP your job here is done. My heart is breaking for Uncle Royal, Cousins Rick Shelly Nelson Skvicalo and Neli Paul Nelson and their families and for my mommy who loved her Sister so very much. I know you will be the life of the celebration in heaven. God has wrapped his loving arms around you and you don’t have to fight anymore.