Kay M. Nelson

Kay Marilyn Nelson, 83, of Fargo, ND and formerly of Mesa, AZ and Ada, MN passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at SMP Health – St. Catherine’s North.

Kay was born in Bemidji, MN on May 19, 1942 to Oscar C. and Olive Bayless Benson. She grew up in Cass Lake, MN attending elementary school there, She graduated from Cass Lake High School in 1960. Kay graduated with a BS Degree from Bemidji MN University. She began her teaching career in Bemidji and moved to Ada, MN where she taught business and served as a librarian in the Ada School District.

She met Lyle D. Nelson in Ada, MN and they were married on July 5, 1965 at Grace Lutheran in Ada where they were members for many years. They both remained with the Ada School District until their retirement from education. Kay was also involved with the Norman County Historical Society.

Kay and Lyle traveled extensively over the years in the United States, Hawaii, Australia, Asia and Europe. They visited relatives in Norway over 30 times and enjoyed attending Syttende of Mai in the Raufoss/Gjovik area many times.

Kay and Lyle built a home in the Las Palmas Community, Mesa, AZ and enjoyed spending vacation time there. They eventually moved there permanently until their move to Fargo in 2019 when they became residents at Edgewood.

Kay is survived by her sister-in-law, Vicky Stormoe Sunderland (Don), her niece, Kristen Bullis (Jim), great-nephew, Ian (Marissa, Bergen and Baker), great-nieces, Katherine and Claire Bullis of Fargo.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and brother-in-law, Dennis Stormoe.

A family service is planned at a later date. Interment will be at Little Forks Cemetery, Hatton, ND.