Harriet Nelson

Harriet Marlene Nelson, 92, of Rochester, formerly of Glenville, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on October 1, 1932, Harriet was the oldest daughter of Julius and Stella (Amundson) Hoverson. She grew up on a farm near Glenville and proudly graduated from Albert Lea High School, where she laid the foundations of a life filled with love, creativity, and family. 

On September 9, 1952, in Orlando, Florida, Harriet married Robert "RW" Nelson, and together they embarked on a journey that took them to Hawaii during Robert's service in the U.S. Navy. There, Harriet found a piece of her heart that she would carry with her for the rest of her life. Robert and Harriet moved to a hobby farm near Glenville where they raised their family. She was a member of First Lutheran Church where she was active in Church Circle. 

Harriet was a woman of many talents and interests. She found joy in reading, thrift shopping, sewing, crocheting, knitting and quilting, creating beautiful pieces that warmed the hearts and heads of those who were fortunate enough to receive her handiwork. Harriet was the lucky recipient of a Prizeword Pete crossword puzzle contest, won a family snowmobile at the county fair, and would occasionally try her luck at local casinos. RW and Harriet loved fishing and family camping trips with Grand Marais being a favorite destination. Harriet had a soft nature, gentle smile and her eyes would light up when she had family visit, especially in her later years.

Harriet is survived by her three sons, Bruce (Nancy) Nelson, Doug (Karen) Nelson, and Jon (Kristine) Nelson; five grandchildren, Jeff (Crystal), Ryan (Nancy), Ben (significant other Marie), Erica, and Jennifer (significant other Zac); great-grandchildren, Cole, Josephine, Harriet, William and Maya; a sister, Rita (Brad) Nelson; and many extended family members and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

In addition to her parents, Julius and Stella Hoverson, Harriet was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Robert W. Nelson; siblings, Justine VanRyswyk, Gary Hoverson and Dennis Hoverson. 

A funeral service will be held at 2:30PM on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services, Albert Lea, MN with a visitation beginning at 1:30PM. Burial will be held at North Round Prairie Cemetery in Glenville, MN. 

The family requests memorials to be designated to the Parkinson’s Foundation.