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Gertrude Elizabeth Nelson, age 97, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 of natural causes.  She was born Gertrude Palmquist on November 13, 1920 in Rush Point, MN to Arthur and Ida Palmquist, the fifth of eight children.  She graduated from Osceola High School in Wisconsin and then worked in St. Paul until she met and married Edward C. Carlson in 1939.  

They moved to Marine-on-St. Croix, MN.  Edward was drafted into the US Army and was killed at St. Avold, France in early 1945.  

After this tragic event Gertrude moved to Stillwater with her two small daughters living there until she married her second husband, Bennett O. Nelson.  They moved to California in 1952.  In California they lived in Burlingame, San Carlos, and Grass Valley a total of 37 years.  In California, Gertrude’s care and concern for others led her to earn her Licensed Vocational Nurse certification.  She worked at medical facilities in San Mateo and Grass Valley, CA.  In 1989 Gertrude and Bennett moved to Forest Lake, MN.

Gertrude developed a passion for cooking and baking that began at age 13, when she was asked, with no previous experience, to cook lunch by herself for a large threshing party.  She had to rely upon observations of her  mother’s preparation of family meals to prepare the lunch and completed the assignment with flying colors.  After that experience, she went on to become an accomplished cook in her own right.  Over the years many enjoyed Gertrude’s warm hospitality and delicious meals around her table.

In later life Gertrude loved to watch sports, especially football and basketball.  She was in her 80’s and 90’s when her rather adventurous spirit appeared.  She thoroughly enjoyed experiencing a hot air balloon ride, a helicopter ride, a jet ski ride, and zip lining, but the highlight she would say was a tandem sky dive at age 90.  Always surrounded by many supportive family members and friends, her long life was filled with an abundance of love and happiness.

Preceded in death by younger daughter Martha Lanning (Dennis).

 Gertrude is survived by her daughter Susan (Jon) Fish of Pittsboro, NC; three granddaughters, Jennifer Fish of Key West, FL, Julie (Nelson) Eubanks of Brewer, ME and Debbie (Tony) Ottaviano of Reno, NV; three great granddaughters Isabella Ottaviano, Lillian Eubanks, and Ashley Ottaviano; as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families.

A Celebration of Gertrude’s Life was Monday, January 29, 2018 at Parmly Chapel in Chisago City, MN.  Visitation one hour prior to the service at Parmly.  Gertrude will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Lindstrom, MN.  Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Gertrude’s daughter Martha Lanning.  Arrangements by Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, Minnesota.
 
Condolences may be left online at www.grand strandfh.com

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