Marybeth Nelson

Marybeth Brunner Nelson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and special friend to all in her community, was surrounded by loving family as she entered into her heavenly home on Friday, June 21st, 2024, from complications after a brief battle with cancer. She was 64 years young.
There will be a Service & a Celebration of Life held at Little Crow Resort and Conference, 15980 Highway 23 NE, Spicer, MN, on July 20th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of West Central Minnesota.
Marybeth (known as "MB" to many) was born in Duluth, MN, the third of four children to Bill and Vera Mae Brunner. The family moved to St. Paul when she was three, where she lived until she left for college. From a young age Marybeth was independent, determined, and marched to the beat of her own drum - wearing a tuxedo to Prom, road tripping around the country selling encyclopedias as a teenager, and graduating high school early, ready to start her next adventure. Her initial plan was to go into nursing like her mother, attending St. Benedict's College and then Mankato State University. After having exposure to chiropractics however, she switched her major and eventually graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic. Marybeth was a chiropractor in the Willmar community for many years until she found her true passion as the Executive Director of the Habitat for Humanity West Central Minnesota chapter. Her dedication to helping families get into homes of their own was her life's work. Her flare for fundraising and coordinating events, as well as ensuring everyone was fed on the job site, were some of her many talents that will be greatly missed by all. When Marybeth wasn't working, she loved live music, hosting family and friends near and far with delicious food, and spending as much time with her precious granddaughters as she could. She will forever be remembered by her big smile and kindness.
Marybeth's greatest pride was her cherished family. She is survived by her ex-spouse Jim Nelson, beloved children, Ryan James Nelson (Willmar, MN), and Rachael Nelson Edenbaum, (Matt), (Washington, DC.), her adored granddaughters, Eloise Mae Edenbaum and Lily James Edenbaum, her siblings Marguerite Brunner (St. Paul), Bernie Brunner (Proctor, MN), Annette Brunner Lund (Hudson, WI), and their families. Welcoming Marybeth in heaven is her father, Bill Brunner, her mother, Vera Mae Brunner, her niece, Katie Mae Lund, her grandparents, and many aunts and uncles. Arrangements are with West Central Cremation Service in Willmar.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Marybeth Nelson, please visit our floral store.