Marcia L. Nelson

Marcia Lois (Siggerud) Nelson, 86-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020 in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Marcia was born to Clarence and Olga (Jean) (Kittelson) Siggerud, on April 26, 1933, in Valley City, North Dakota. After graduating from Mahnomen High School, she attended Concordia College in Moorhead, and the Fairview Hospital School of Nursing, in Minneapolis. She then worked as a surgical nurse at Fairview Hospital. She formed many lasting friendships with her nursing classmates and enjoyed their reunions. Marcia met the love of her life, Norman Nelson, while working in Minneapolis. They were married on September 15, 1957 in Mahnomen. After a trip to the North Shore, they moved to Little Falls where Norm worked for the Minnesota State Patrol and Marcia worked as an RN at St. Gabriel’s Hospital, St. Otto’s Care Center, and the Family Medical Center. They built a home near the Mississippi, where they raised their children, Lori Beth and Paul, and doted on their grandchildren, Mara and Sophie. Marcia was a dedicated wife, mother, and nana. Church activities, gardening, concerts, movies, card games, walking their dogs, traveling, reading, and discussing their day on the porch in the evening enriched Marcia and Norm’s fifty-eight years together. They also embraced their Scandinavian heritage and enjoyed several trips to Norway. Marcia was an active member of First Lutheran Church, where she played the organ, accompanied or sang in the choir, quilted, provided hospitality, taught Bible school, and participated in Bible studies, book clubs, and the Martha Circle. Marcia enjoyed baking and was famous for her breads, lefsa, and ginger cookies. She was a voracious reader who often had a dog by her side, a member of PEO, and active in several benevolent community activities. Marcia will be affectionately remembered for her caring, faithful, and resilient spirit. Being surrounded by her love and warmth was akin to being wrapped in a beautiful quilt she had crafted, and she will be dearly missed. She is survived by her loving family, including daughter, Lori Beth (Kent) Warnberg of Chanhassen, MN; granddaughters, Mara (Carl) Sorenson, of Hastings, MN; and Sophie Warnberg, of Chanhassen MN; brother, Chuck Siggerud, of Bloomington, MN; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Marshall, of Edina, MN; and Shirley Nelson, of Stillwater, MN; and eleven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Clarence and Jean, her adoring husband, Norm, and her loving son, Paul. A private family Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Marcia on August 18, 2020, with Reverend Dr. Henry French officiating. The service will be held near Marcia’s home, at the Pierson Pavilion, which adjoins the lower parking lot of the Grace Covenant Church, in Little Falls, Minnesota. If there is inclement weather, the service with be held at the Shelley Funeral Chapels in Little Falls. A brief committal service at the Oakland Cemetery in Little Falls, will follow. Marcia’s family would prefer to celebrate her life in her church and include friends. It would be meaningful to gather with them and hear their memories. However, the current public health situation has prompted us to proceed in a way that provides for the safety of all. A video of the service will be posted on the Home page of the First Lutheran Church website in Little Falls from August 19th through August 26th, 2020, for those who might be interested in participating virtually. https://www.flclittlefalls.org/ In addition, a photo tribute will be available on the Shelley Funeral Chapels website beginning August 18th. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to some of the non-profit organizations Marcia supported: the First Lutheran Church in Little Falls, ELCA Good Gifts - Health Clinics, Oasis Central Minnesota, Little Falls Great River Regional Library, and the Heartland Symphony Orchestra, or to the donor’s choice.

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Marcia L. Nelson

April 26, 1933 - March 11, 2020