Services will take place at 11 a.m. today at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. Interment will follow at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado.
Mrs. Nelson was a homemaker.
Survivors include her son, David of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; son, Roger Nelson of East Grand Fork, Minnesota; daughter, Connie Early of Cedaredge; brothers, Jerry Tufte of Northwood, North Dakota, and Donald Tufte of Mesa, Arizona; sister, Dorothy Olson of Minneapolis; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions to Preston Ranch Ministries, P.O. Box 44, Roggen 80652.
OBITUARY AND TRIBUTE FOR OUR MOTHER
JEAN NELSON
Jean Aileen Katharine Tufte was born February 8th, 1926 to Theodore T. and Constance Ovidia Tufte. She grew up on a farm near Northwood, ND, with 5 siblings, Jerry, Earl, Gwendolyn, Donald and Dorothy. After graduating from Northwood High School, she attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN as a nursing student. While there she met her husband-to-be, Frederick Nelson, who was in pilot’s training at Moorhead State University. They were married on September 8th, 1946 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hatton, ND. They had three children, David, Roger and Connie. She spent many happy years as a housewife and mother in Wisconsin and North Dakota. In 1981 Jean and Fred, along with daughter Connie, moved to Colorado. In 1989 Fred retired and they moved to Grand Junction and enjoyed a time of leisure and travel. All of the children had married and Jean became a grandmother and great-grandmother, titles that she treasured. Eventually their health began to fail and they moved to Delta, CO to be closer to daughter Connie. Jean’s final days were spent at WillowTree Care Center in Delta. She and Fred celebrated their 69th Wedding Anniversary just 2 months before he passed away. Jean entered into rest on January 16, 2016 at 89 years old.
We were blessed to have a wonderful mother who loved us, disciplined us and worried about us. In her marriage she was a shining example of love AND commitment, and, in her faith, she modeled the importance of serving husband, children and the church family. She was a good housekeeper, a good cook, and was accomplished at needlepoint and embroidery. She loved playing the piano and organ, baking cookies and eating M&Ms. She was a den mother, a girl scout leader, a Sunday School teacher and a baseball enthusiast. There were also some things she was not–
She was not a comedian. Mom made every joke funnier because you got to laugh a second time -at her- when she finally figured out the punch line. It wasn’t that she had no sense of humor – it just took her awhile.
She was not an intellectual. She didn’t read novels or take classes or discuss world politics. But, you would find out quickly how intelligent she was if you tried to beat her in a game of scrabble or asked her the name of a Roman god comprised of three letters for your crossword puzzle. Even the workers at the nursing home commented on her command of the English language and the “big words” she used to the very end.
She was not a fashion plate. Mom liked pretty clothing but not flashy items. She didn’t wear any makeup other than lipstick and didn’t spend time getting manicures and pedicures. She was, however, a lady. Modesty, courtesy and appropriate public behavior were important to her.
She was not demonstrative. She didn’t like to laugh too loud, cry in front of anyone or share her innermost feelings and emotions. But we knew she loved us. She cared for us when we were sick, held us when we cried and always gave Dad a kiss good night.
She wasn’t the Grandma next door. Much to her dismay she did not live close to her 5 grandchildren and 10 great-children. Her favorite piece of mail was the card with pictures and the most wonderful visits were when all the little ones came. I’m sure she will be smiling when number 11 arrives.
She was not an evangelist. Her purpose in life was to be a wife and mother and to serve her church. Mom had a simple faith in God and asked Jesus into her heart as a young girl at Bible camp. She acted out her faith by being a faithful, loving wife to Dad and a sacrificial mother to us children. She never complained about not having new clothes or furniture or lots of money. Many times she made sure we kids had new school clothes when she hadn’t had a new piece of clothing in years. And, when times were hard, she remained grateful for what we had.
In the end there’s really not words that can describe who she was and the feelings we have for her in our hearts. We will miss her smile, her funny laugh and her gift of music until we meet her again. We rejoice that she now lives where there are no more tears, pain or sorrow, with Dad and with her Savior.
All Because Two People Fell In Love
Son David and Signe Nelson
Grandson Andrew and Amy Nelson:
Great grandchildren Trinity, David and Ethan
Grandson Matthew Nelson:
Great grandchild Owen
Son Roger and Sheila Nelson
Grandson Paul and Robin Nelson:
Great grandchildren Lillian, Elizabeth, Daniel and Baby
Grandson Mark Nelson
Grandson John and Andrea Nelson:
Great grandchildren Helen, Hannah and Leah
Tom and daughter Connie (Nelson) Early
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