On March 4, 2023, at the age of 96 years old, Ethel passed away at home in Bellvue, Colorado. Her son, Ronald, was with her when she passed. A prayer service will be held on Friday, June 9th at 11:00 AM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau with a light lunch to follow. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Nelson, her brother, Lenard Johnson of Roseau, MN and sister, Mabel Baumgartner of Bemidji, MN. She is survived by her children Richard of Edina, MN, David (Vickie) of Campbell, MN, and Ronald of Bellvue, CO, her grandchildren Danielle and Samantha, and 3 great grandchildren Keegan, Keilyn, and Liam. Ethel was born on April 24, 1926 in Stafford Township, Roseau, Minnesota, the daughter of Otto “Charlie” and Minnie Belle (Ahneman) Johnson. She was the oldest of three children and graduated from Roseau High School. Ethel married Robert Nelson, the son of Elmer “Cap” and Ruth Nelson on May 22, 1954. They lived in Roseau, MN when they started their family. They moved to Loveland Colorado in 1973 for the warmer climate, to improve Robert’s health, but returned to Minnesota as often as they could to see relatives and friends. In addition to raising her family, Ethel worked as an accountant all of her career and eventually adapted to computerized accounting systems. Later in life, she worked with her son up until her death. Ethel enjoyed going on road trips in the Midwest with her son, Ron. They would leave home in Colorado and see where the road took them. They often spent time in the Colorado Mountains, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Omaha, and Rapid City, as well as Roseau. Ethel was a good friend to anyone she met and was always ready for adventure. She will be missed. Please direct any gifts to the Hope Cemetery Upkeep fund or a worthy charity.
Last modified: 06/09/2023
