Gladys H. Nelson

Gladys H. Nelson was born on July 28, 1922, in Winnebago County, Iowa, the daughter of Carl and Emma Dahle Engebretson. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of rural Kiester, and was a current member of the Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church. She attended country school through the eighth grade. Rather than attend high school, she went to work on the Engebretson family farm. On December 27, 1953 she married the neighbor boy, Leslie Nelson, at the Little Prayer Chapel in Austin. Together they started a farming operation that continued until their retirement in 1993. Gladys was a true farmer's wife, always helping with anything, and everything that needed to be done, from helping with livestock, picking and shelling corn and even pulling weeds. She hated weeds! She always kept track of the "moon phases" as to know exactly which day to plant, weed or harvest. Over the years, the telephone was an important link to news, family and events. She was always well informed. Daily calls to family and friends were an important part of her life. Her home was her castle, Gladys was always content to be at home. This is where she was happiest especially in her final days; at home. Family was very important to Gladys and Leslie. Together they raised three sons. Being "Nanny" to nieces and nephews was always important to her, and when the grandchildren came, she was overwhelmed with joy. She will be missed by all. Survivors include her sons, Larry and his wife Nancy of Hartland, Alan of Freeborn, and Wayne and his wife Linda of Freeborn; grandchildren, Whitney and Dylan Nelson; step-grandchildren, Jason Thompson and Katya Fredrickson, sister, Carmen Engebretson; brothers, Harry, Sam and his wife June, Laurence, Carlyle and his wife Janet; sisters-in-law, Ruth Nelson and Dorothy Engebretson. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Emma; husband, Leslie; father and mother-in-law, Gilbert and Laura Nelson; brothers, Chris, Morris, and Willie; sister, Maurine; sister-in-law, Carol Engebretson and brother-in-law, Gaylord Nelson and two siblings in infancy.