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Obituaries from the week of Sept. 19, 2012

Gwen Nelson, 79

 

Gwen Nelson age 79 of Tracy passed away Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at Sanford Tracy Medical Center.  Memorial services were held at  2:00 p.m. Friday, September 14 at Tracy Lutheran Church.  Private family burial will be at a later date.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gwen was born November 28, 1932 in Dundee, MN to Lloyd and Leone (Duncan) Nimerfro.  She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook.  Gwen graduated from Westbrook High School in 1950. 

On December 5, 1950 she was united in marriage to Strann Nelson at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Together the couple settled in the Tracy area.  Gwen worked at the Tracy Greenhouse for 35 years.  She was a member of Tracy Lutheran Church and was active in the Circle.  Gwen enjoyed playing cards and belonged to a couple of card clubs.  She also enjoyed doing word puzzles, cooking and baking.  She loved camping and going on vacation, and visiting with family and friends.

Gwen is survived by her daughter Paula Nelson and son Brent Nelson, both of Tracy; nephews Joel and Gary, niece Mary; “special grandchildren” Aaron and Nathan and their families; other relatives and many close friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Strann, sister Bev, and brother Keith. 

 

Leona Pearson, 88

 

Leona G. Shockley Pearson, age 88, resident of Brainerd, died on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at Essentia St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd.

Leona was born on July 13, 1924 in Ft. Ripley, Minnesota to Dolore and Mary (Duchesneau) DeRosier. 

Leona worked as a pipe fitters helper during WWII and later as a physical therapy assistant for the Brainerd State Hospital. She loved her family, her church and her occasional trip to the casino. She enjoyed her new friends at Woodland Acres with special friends Lorraine Maier and Jeanne Bjerke. She will be remembered for her awesome cooking and humor. 



Survivors include her daughter, Sharon (Gary) Kramer; son, Father John Pearson; grandchildren, Jim (Carol) Kramer, Jody (Dave) Fischer, Janell Kramer, Sherry (Marty) Chisholm, Lisa (Steve) Priebe, Lynn (Jim) Hall, Leah (Eric) Hargrove, Jay Pearson; 22-great grandchildren. 



She was preceded in death by her parents, Dolore and Mary DeRosier; husbands James Shockley and William Pearson Sr.; son William Pearson Jr.; brothers Robert, William, Clem and Leo DeRosier; sisters Lucille Poissant and Delores Passe. 



Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at St. Mathias Catholic Church in St. Mathias Township with Father Tony Wroblewski and Father John Pearson officiating. Burial was in St. Mathias Cemetery.