Elsie Nelson

Elsie Mae (Klapperich) Nelson, 85, formerly of Walker and Bemidji, passed away peacefully Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at Vitality Living in Park Rapids.

Elsie was born April 8, 1940, to John and Gertrude (Mandler) Klapperich in Aitkin. She graduated from Aitkin High School in 1958 and received a Home Economics degree from the University of Minnesota in 1962. Elsie taught in Melrose and worked for the Agricultural Extension Service in Hubbard and Martin counties of Minnesota.

On Jan. 25, 1969, she married Robert (Bob) Nelson of Park Rapids, and became a full-time mother to Rodney, Gwen, Amy and Eric.

A passion in her growing years was the many projects and activities of the Lakeland 4H Club.

She loved to travel, visiting California with her family twice. Later, she traveled to Hawaii, Mexico and Europe. She spent many hours volunteering for Calvary Evangelical Free Church, the food shelf, Countryside Coop in Hackensack and the Senior Citizens.

She spent many years (2005-2016) volunteering as a foster grandparent at the WHA Elementary School and later in Bemidji at Northern and Central Elementary Schools.

Elsie is survived by step-son Rod (Sarah) Nelson of Hartland, WI, step-daughter Gwen (Dave) Lass of Pelican Rapids, daughter Amy (Gordy) Beighley of Bemidji, and son Eric Nelson of Park Rapids; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Don and Bernadette Parks of Rice Lake, WI; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Charles and Marilyn Olson of Aurora; grandchildren Aaron (Kerry) Reuter, Morgan (Danny) Noster, Whitney Nelson, Jacob Nelson, Brady (Jamie) Wroe, Chase Wroe, Austin (AJ) Wroe, Paige Beighley, Parker Beighley, and Caden Beighley; and great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bob; two infant brothers, James and Loyd; brother Dan and sister-in-law Jeanne Klapperich; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Sharon Nelson.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral and Cremation Service of Walker and Hackensack.