FERN MARIE NELSON, 94, of Stanley and Minot, ND returned to her Heavenly Father May, 4, 2019 in Minot, North Dakota.

Fern Marie Nelson, was born August 29, 1924 to John and Louise Didio. She was the youngest of 8 siblings that were raised on a farm west of Ross, ND. Fern attended rural grade school near Ross, ND & freshman year in the former town of Sanish, ND. She eventually graduated from Stanley High School. where she met Glen Nelson, while working at the Rexall Drug Store in Stanley.

Fern and Glen married in 1944 and lived for a short time on a cattle ranch NW of Palermo, ND. Later they farmed land SE of Palermo and finally settled on a farm three miles east of Stanley, ND. They raised three children, Dian, Vivian & David.

Besides helping out with farm work, Fern was employed at Anderson Department Store, Hanson’s Hardware Store, Jensen’s Grocery Store, Ranum’s Laundromat, Edna’s Dress Shop (part time) and the Mountrail Bethel Home. When retired, she was proud of the nine-starred pin she earned as a MBH Volunteer & the many years of volunteering at the Stanley Food Bank.

Fern was a kind and loving woman who cared deeply for family and cherished friendships. She was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Palermo and American Lutheran Church in Stanley consecutively. Unwavering faith was evident as Fern provided grace & wisdom underlined with unconditional love for all who knew her.

Over the years, Fern participated in homemakers clubs, craft clubs & volunteering which developed deep & loyal friendships with neighbors and friends. Fern & late husband, Glen were both well known for their card playing skills, which Fern continued to enjoy with various card playing groups throughout her life. Fern often hosted local friends with musical talents to gather for regular sing-a-longs, but drop-in company was the rule of thumb, & the coffee pot was always on.

Fern is survived by daughters, Dian Pecora of CA, Gina (Jim) Michael of CA, Lia (Shannon) Martin of CA, Alicia Pecora of CA, Carla Pecora of CA, Vivian (David) Meiers of ND, Michelle (Clint) Letch of MN, Nicholas (Christy) Meiers of IL; and son, David (Theresa) Nelson of ND, Catherine (Joe) Everette of ND, Glen Nelson of ND, Joshua Nelson of ND; great-grandchildren, Emma & Madalyn Pecora-Smith, Brad, Tristin & Lilli Martin, Jim & Justin Michael, Gemma Pecora-Maxwell, Cole & Alexis Letch, Beatrix & Flynn Meiers and Joseph Everett III.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Nelson in 1984.