---

Verna Marie Nelson, of Lindstrom, MN, died Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at the age of 94.

Verna was born August 10, 1923 in Pine Township east of Pine City to John and Jennie (Larson) Odegard. She attended the one room Sauter School and spent most of her early years as a resident of Pine County. Verna was baptized and later confirmed at Milburn Lutheran Church in 1936. She was employed at the Grant House in Rush City and later took employment at Hazelden where she worked for 17 years.

She was united in marriage to Raymond Nelson on April 24, 1982. Verna was a faithful and cherished member of Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City until the time of her death.

Verna often said that the years she spent with Ray were some of the happiest of her life, and happiness was something she richly deserved. She was a servant to so many, always being there to offer a ride for someone to buy groceries, or attend church. Verna never had a cross word for anyone even if it was sometimes deserved, and only muttered quietly under her breath when dealt a bad hand when playing cards. She loved putting together puzzles and always had one sitting out being worked at her apartment at North Gate in Lindstrom, where she resided for 32 years. Anyone who stopped by, understood sitting quietly working on the puzzle was almost a requirement when visiting Verna. And even quiet time with her was priceless. Verna, you will be missed by many of us who were blessed to have known you. Thank you for touching our lives.

Verna is survived by nephews; Larry (Janice) Odegard of Northfield, MN, Norman (Paula) Odegard of Milaca, MN, Steven (Mary) Odegard of Pine City, MN, Jay ( Sheila) Odegard of Grantsburg, WI, Douglas (Amy) Odegard of Pine City, MN,  Dennis (Linda) Odegard of Pine City, MN; nieces, Janice (Henry) Korf of Pine City, MN and Cindy (Ken) Selzer of Harvey, ND. She is also survived by several grand nieces and grand nephews and many other close friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ray; parents John and Jennie; and brothers Silas, Melvin, Bernard, and Lawrence.

Funeral services will be held at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 11 am with Pastor Steve Moline officiating. The funeral will be preceded by a gathering and visitation from 9 am to 11 am Wednesday morning. Organist will be Linda Dahl and soloist Erin Spohn.

Pallbearers are Dennis Odegard, Steven Dahl, Larry Odegard, Steve Odegard, Doug Odegard, and Jay Odegard. Honorary pallbearers are Henry Korf and Norman Odegard.
Interment will be at the Milburn Cemetery, Pine City.  Arrangements are entrusted to Grandstrand Funeral Home, Lindstrom. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh. com

---