Born to Harold and Rose Samuelson in Madelia, MN, Leona grew up on her parents’ farm in West Sveadahl, just north of St. James, MN. After high school (St. James Class of ’55) she studied nursing at Augsburg College and Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, where she received a Registered Nursing diploma in 1959. In 1960 she married Ronald Nelson, a high school classmate. While accompanying her husband during subsequent educational and occupational tours in NY, Ohio, and Illinois, she worked in operating rooms, a pediatrics floor, and in general nursing care. She continued her education for a BSN at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1977, the Nelsons moved to Sierra Vista, AZ. There Leona worked as a school nurse in the Fort Huachuca Accommodation Schools for 19 years before retiring in 1997. She had a knack for melting the hearts of students, including those with attitude problems, but was also a strong influence for proper behavior.
After retirement, Leona was active in providing volunteer service to the hospital auxiliary in Payson, AZ for eight years. She also served as a board member for the auxiliary during much of this time. During the last two years of her life, Leona spent most of her time in Queen Creek, AZ, where she was active in volunteer support work for the city library there. Her positive and upbeat personality during even the most difficult and trying times served as an example to everyone around her.
Leona was an energetic quilting enthusiast, and also enjoyed spending her spare time with sewing, knitting, cross-stitching, and other similar activities. She participated in many quilting projects for her church and other charitable organizations, where her sewing and quilting skills were deeply respected and appreciated. Leona always enjoyed visiting with her children and grandchildren, especially during get-togethers at a favorite restaurant. Leona was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Ron Nelson; daughter Linda (grandson, Greg) Nelson; and son David (wife Dawn, grandchildren Sam and Ginny) Nelson . She is also survived by her brother, Delbert (wife Marci) Samuelson, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
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