Margaret Irene Nelson

It is with very heavy hearts our family announces the passing of our beloved Margaret Irene Nelson on November 22, 2024, at the age of 102. She left us peacefully with her granddaughter Lisa and great granddaughters, Miranda and Brooke, by her side. Margaret was very loved by all and she will be sorely missed.

Margaret was born on August 25, 1922, in Denver Colorado, to William Johann Conrad Ludders and Ora Zona (Belknap) Ludders. At the age of 8, her family moved to Long Beach, California to escape the snowy winters. After graduating, she worked as a medical secretary in a doctor’s office.

Margaret married her war-time sweetheart Ben J. Nelson on June 24,1967. She moved to Chicago, Illinois and opened her heart to his four young children. She worked as a secretary at the Illinois SDA Conference until her retirement.

Once Ben retired, they moved to Sun City, California to enjoy their retirement and be closer to Margaret’s family.

Margaret was a hard worker, and her home reflected it.

She was a selfless person; never wanting anything for herself and ensured her loved ones had what was needed or wanted. She loved bringing joy to people. Margaret was a kind person, never saying an ill word about anyone. She was an amazing vegetarian cook and has famous recipes we all cherish.

Margaret was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She loved with her whole heart. She never complained and always saw the positive in everything and everyone. She loved to laugh, tell stories, and spend time with her cats. Margaret also loved playing Scrabble with her grandchildren and was good at winning. She was very proud of her family.

Margaret’s faith in God was strong, and she lived her life for Him. She was a proud Seventh-Day Adventist for her entire life. Ben and Margaret were very active in their church and served the Lord in many different roles. She loved to watch 3ABN in her spare time. Sadly, Ben passed away on November 20, 2006.

She moved to Claddagh Senior Living Center in Caledonia, Minnesota in March of 2019 to be closer to her granddaughter, Lisa. She often spoke of her 100th birthday celebration, where she was reunited with many beloved family members.

Margaret is survived by her son Nathanial David (Ann) Nelson; nine grandchildren, Lisa (Bill) Johnston, Lila Mihm Hopper, Angela (Ricky Williams) Mihm, Forest (Felenna) Berry, Dennis Jr. (Kamryn) Berry, Hollis (Kristin Anderson) Berry, Sarah (Crystal Benaviez) Nelson, Bill Nelson, and Jim Nelson; thirteen great-grandchildren, Miranda (Luke) Schuttenhelm, Brooke (Jackson Perry) Johnston, Benjamin Mihm, Angela Mihm, Sarah Hopper, Christopher Lopez-Owens, Michael Berry, Vanessa Berry, Caleb Berry, Miranda Berry, Kaelyn Berry, Dennis Berry III, and Dominic Berry; Four great-great-grandchildren, Ayla Schuttenhelm, Otto Schuttenhelm, Eli Lopez-Owens, and Ella Lopez-Owens; son in law Dennis Berry Sr.; her fur babies, Puma and Pumpkin; a host of nieces and nephews, family, and friends. She had special relationships with her nieces Joyce (Keith) Mulligan and Cheryl (Milford) Harrison and nephews, Bob (Kay) Prunty, Larry Prunty, Richard (Heidi) Ludders, Darrel (Vicki) Ludders, Wayne (Vicki) Furr, Dennis (Gigi) Furr, and Peggy (Richard) Fischer.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ben J. Nelson; son, Timothy Joel Nelson; daughters, Naomi Ruth Mihm and Priscilla Lois Berry; Siblings, Peter (Mildred) Ludders, Marion (Arthur) Rowe, Glenna (Jim) Prunty, and Jeanne (Dorsey) Furr; a special niece Carol Furr-Bauer; Sister in laws, Stella Gray, Grace Schuester; brother in laws, Bernard (Rose) Nelson, Robert (Ester) Nelson.

The family would like to thank the Claddagh Senior Living Center staff and Gundersen Houston Clinic staff, for their compassionate loving care that was provided over the past 5.5 years. We also are grateful for Gundersen Hospice, for the wonderful care Margaret received.