Margaret Nelson
SERVICE DATE CHANGED DUE TO WEATHER
Margaret Nelson, 94, passed away on December 24, 2019 at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND.
Margaret Ellen was born to John and Grace (Neilson) Tharalson of Hoople, ND on August 7, 1925. She graduated from Hoople High School, attended St. Olaf College, and graduated in 1948 with an Early Childhood education degree from Woods Private Teacher Training School in Minneapolis. She went on to teach kindergarten in Wausau, Wisconsin and Grand Forks, North Dakota. In 1951 she married Kenten Nelson of Hillsboro, ND. Together the couple built their home near Hillsboro where they farmed for nearly 50 years, and raised their three children, Dale, Renee, and Jeff.
Margaret was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her nature was to go above and beyond for her family, enjoying all of their time together. Margaret held a lifelong passion for music. She gave private piano lessons from their home in Hillsboro, served the church as a pianist/organist for 43 years, and loved to attend concerts of all kinds. In addition to music, Margaret lived a life dedicated to serving others in big and small ways. She led by example. She was active in the church community and belonged to Homemakers Club, she volunteered, and loved to share her hobbies of knitting and baking with her friends, family, and community.
In 2003 Margaret moved to Moorhead, MN. There she became a member of Trinity church and was very active with the senior groups. As a life-long learner, she attended concerts and took classes in the community. In 2013 Margaret moved back to Hillsboro, and in 2016 moved to Luther Memorial home in Mayville.
She is survived by son Dale Nelson (Kathy),Detroit Lakes, MN, daughter Renee Sobolik (Jim) Mayville, ND; grandchildren Austin, Grand Forks, ND and Erica Nelson, Detroit Lakes, Nathan Sobolik (Elisa) Shakopee, MN, Ana Amb (Travis) Goodland, KS, Lauren Sobolik, Santa Barbara, CA; three great grandchildren, Raegan and Makenna Sobolik, and Vaile Amb; and many special nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Kenten and son Jeff; brothers Linden (Hazel), Allan (Laverne) and Paul (Beth); sisters Dorothy Kenney (Fred), Helene Quam (John), Bernice Fedje (Sam) and Wilma Henning (Merlin).
The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at Hillsboro United Parish UCC-UMC with a visitation one hour prior. Burial at Riverside Cemetery, Hillsboro.
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Margaret was a genuine lady who lead by example. She was dedicated to her family, friends, and Christian faith. Her many years of faithfully serving United Parish as organist and pianist was remarkable. God bless the memories of this special lady!
Dear Dale, Kathy, Renee, Jim, and Grandchildren. Margaret was a very fine person. Her kindness, faith, and courage were admired by all who knew her. God Bless was you all.
I was one of the CNAs who helped care for Margaret during her stay at Luther Memorial. Sometimes I would hear her singing in her room and I would go in and ask her what she was singing, she could never remember the names of the songs so she would hum a few bars and 9 times out of 10 I could guess what it was and it was usually a hymn. I would start singing along to her humming and she would start singing with me. Hearing her voice every day was something I looked forward to because when she sang I could hear her love for the Lord and her songs lifted me up.
Dale, Renee and family of Margaret ~ My deepest sympathy to each of you, Margaret was a lovely woman full of class and grace. I have many fond memories of your family coming to Hoople to visit your Tharalson family, which included your Grama Grace (and later in the same home, Dorothy and Fred) who lived next door to my parents and I. Caring thoughts and prayers go out to you throughout and beyond this time of sorrow. Bette (Hoople) Larson
Dale,Kathy,Austin and Erica~ I am so sorry for the loss of your mother/grandmother. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers these upcoming days. God Bless. Mary Lindvig
So sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. She was a wonderful piano teacher and neighbor.
Dale and family-
Margaret was a joy to be around; I looked forward to the times we would speak as she always had a gift for making one feel welcome and appreciated. She was a very kind woman and demonstrated her Love and Faith by both word and deed. I am sorry for your loss and send prayers of support for you to remember her with fondness and joy. A great neighbor has left our midst ….
Don and Pam