Norma Nelson

Norma Jane Nelson was born on May 18, 1933, in Rockford, Illinois to Norman and Nina (Strang) Bleile.  She attended school at Roosevelt Jr/Sr High School in Rockford, Illinois.

Norma was united in marriage to Rudolph “Rudy” Nelson on August 25, 1952, in Rockford, Illinois.  The couple lived in Rockford, IL for 14 years where Norma worked in a factory during the war and different restaurants as a waitress.  In December of 1964, the family moved to Alexandria where Norma co owned and operated a restaurant called The Coffee Cup.  Norma and Rudy started their electrical company “Rudy’s Electric” in 1971. Norma did all the bookwork and scheduling until her daughter-in-law joined the business.

Norma belonged to the Eagles Lodge 3063, Alexandria Senior Center, and various golfing and bowling leagues.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church where she belonged to the Joy Circle and enjoyed helping with bake sales and fundraisers. She had a lifelong love for their pets, especially Buddy 2.  Norma enjoyed taking RV trips with friends and grandkids and having pig roasts.  She also enjoyed playing bridge and the games: Meanie, Phase 10 and Scrabble; she enjoyed going to the casino to play penny slots.  Most of all Norma loved being with her family and celebrating the holidays.

Norma died on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at the Centennial House in Apple Valley at the age of 89.  She is survived by her sons, Randy (Vicki) Nelson of Alexandria and Bruce (Deb) Lindquist of Brooklyn Center; daughter, Trudy (Bob) Jahnke of Rosemount; grandchildren, Stephanie (Howard) Bennet, Kelly (Vinni) Byrd, Scott (Jill) Rudd, Shelly (Buck) Pepera, Shawn (Marissa) Rudd, and Ryan Nelson; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; and many close family friends. Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Rudy; parents, Norman, Nina and Tobe; step-brother, Bob, and step-sister, Bernita “Bernie”; grandson, baby Nelson and great-granddaughter, Crystal.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the United Methodist Church in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held from 4:00–6:00 PM on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at the Anderson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.