Barbara Jean Nelson

Obituary

Barbara Jean (Harris) Nelson was born on March 24, 1949, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was the daughter of Daniel and Retha (Sullins) Harris. Barbara was baptized in her faith in Jacksonville, Florida. She received her education in Orlando, Florida, and was a 1967 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. She furthered her education at Florida State University and was a 1972 graduate with a degree in Elementary Education. She continued her education at St. Cloud State University and Crown College in Waconia with post graduate credits in education.

On June 27, 1970, Barbara was united in marriage to Arlin Nelson at Delaney Street Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida. After their marriage, the couple resided in Florida, while Barbara finished her education, before moving to the farm near Gibbon in 1971. Barbara was employed at McLeod West School in Stewart and taught various grades; GFW Schools as an ECFE Teacher and Paraprofessional; retiring in 2005 from teaching. She was also employed at McGillick Chiropractic in Gaylord, Bernadotte Lutheran Church as the secretary, Farm Bureau in Gaylord, and Hanson Drug in Winthrop. Barbara and Arlin were blessed with two sons and they shared 45 years of marriage.

Barbara was active in the churches she attended. She helped with the choir, Sunday school and the steeple reconstruction at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bismarck Township. Then transferred to Bernadotte Lutheran Church in Bernadotte Township and was involved with the choir and Sunday school. She sang in the Sibley County choir as well.  She was a member and former chair of the local Delta Kappa Gamma, teacher’s organization.

Barbara enjoyed working in the garden, planning and creating garden beds for flowers and vegetables. She also enjoyed reading, crafting and attending Gaither concerts every year. Barbara loved spending time with her family and friends.

Barbara passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at the Oak Terrace Health Care Center in Gaylord at the age of 66 years. Blessed be her memory.

Barbara is survived by her:

Husband,         Arlin Nelson of Gibbon, MN;

Sons,               Michael Nelson and his wife, Maren of Oakdale, MN, and

                        Philip Nelson and his fiancée, Samantha Randall of Union, IA;

Mother, Retha Harris of Orlando, FL;

Brother, Ed Harris and his wife, Yvonne of Norfolk, VA;

Four Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her Grandparents; Father, Daniel Harris; and Sister, Carol Ann Harris.