Nancy Wedell

Ellendale, N.D. - Nancy Joy Larson, 71, of Ellendale, N.D., daughter of Marshall Luther and Bernice Louise Larson, was born Sept. 28, 1936, in Minneapolis, baptized at St. Lukes Church and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Her fondest memory as a child was the time spent with her Grandma Hilma in St. Peter, Minn.

Nancy graduated in 1954 from Central High School in Minneapolis, noted as “A smile that always ends in laughter happy in class and giggling after.” In her senior year she was voted “wittiest” and also started doing pantomimes. This led to an opportunity to tour with the Minneapolis Aquatennial Roving Unit, performing in various venues. She continued performing throughout her life eventually winning 1st place in the Ellendale Centennial Talent Show as well as acting in several plays produced in Ellendale.

Nancy worked at two local drugstores and as a bank cashier throughout high school, and served as a receptionist at Northwestern Abbot Hospital in Minneapolis. Upon moving to Ellendale, Nancy worked at the Dickey County ASCS office. Nancy recognized her love of barbering/styling and in 1978 earned a license in Cosmetology from Stewarts School of Hairstyling in Aberdeen, S.D. She then worked at Lucille's Beauty Shop in Ellendale and eventually opened her own shop, “Hair We Are.”

Nancy married her life's love and cohort in comedy, Derril Wedell on Feb. 14, 1959, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ellendale. Their union brought into this world her greatest joys their four children. Nancy was a passionate mother who loved without compromise. She never failed to have a hot meal on the table or soft hands to rub your sore muscles. Her infectious smile or that “get your rear back in bed look” always resonated with love.

Nancy joined her Eternal Father on May 13, 2008. Grateful to have shared in her life are her loyal companion and friend, Derril Wedell; children, Paul C. Wedell of Ellendale, Derrin (Paul) O'Connell of Shawnee, Kan., James (Cheryl) Wedell of Phoenix, Ariz., and Sarah (Clay) Wagner of Maumelle, Ark.; grandchildren, Joshua Vaughn, Isabel Wedell, William, Catherine, and August Wagner, and Taylor Wedell; as well as numerous relatives and friends. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James Larson; and sister, Margaret (Peggy) Finnerty Rydberg.

We'll miss Mom's fried chicken, roast beef, apple pie, ice tea, “flyin' trips to Aberdeen,” moccasins, her green thumb, the art of stain removal, and her crazy antics.

Peace be with you, Mom, we love you dearly.

Memorial service to be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Church of the Nazarene, Ellendale, Pastor Tim Brown officiating. Visitation begins one hour prior to service. The family has requested a private burial.

Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.

Wedell