Melissa Nelson

Melissa Rose was born on September 8, 1914, in Hazelton, North Dakota, to Elmer and Carolina (Helfenstein) Hopkins. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Tappen, North Dakota. She attended school north of Tappen through the 8th grade. Melissa was united in marriage to Helmer Nelson on March 18, 1937 in Tappen, North Dakota. The couple worked and farmed for Clara & Herman Heiden for a year and for Melissa?s parents for four years. The Nelsons moved onto the home farm and resided there until 1956 when they moved to Alexandria. To this union three children were born: Cheryl, Darren, and Vance. Helmer died in 1960. Melissa will be remembered as a person who loved to help people. Her family and friends were very important to her and whenever you came to her home you would have to stay for a little lunch. Mrs. Nelson died on Sunday, January 23, 2011. She is survived by her three children: Cheryl (Gordon) Doose, Darren (Kathy) Nelson, Vance (Mary) Nelson; five grandchildren: Tammy Swenson, Gerald Anderson Jr., Jody Dahlk, Kyle Nelson, Tara Coleson; eleven great grandchildren: Robyn, Ryan, Renata Swenson, Alex, Zach Dahlk, Jarrett, Connor Nelson, Jordon, Bryce Coleson, Sage, Hunter Anderson; great great grandchildren: Nathaniel, Kaili, Tucker; brother, George Hopkins; sister, Hazel Demaray. She was preceded in death by her husband, Helmer; grandson, Terry Anderson; six brothers and sisters. Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 27, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviour?s Lutheran Church in Nelson with Rev. Barbara Lund Thompson officiating. Burial will be at Fischer Cemetery in Tappen, North Dakota. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net