Nellie E. Schlichting

Nellie E. Schlichting, age 75, of Little Falls, MN, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2014 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls. Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 1st at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Little Falls, with a visitation starting at 10 AM. Arrangements are with Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls. Nellie Elizabeth Smith was born on August 20, 1938 in Minneapolis, MN to the late Peter and Katherine (Topka) Smith. She was raised in Bloomington, MN and graduated from the high school there. One of her first jobs was working at Donaldson's Department Store in Bloomington. Nellie was united in marriage to Joseph Schlichting on August 29, 1981, and from then on, she enjoyed the company and friendship of the extended Schlichting family. Nellie worked in many areas including farming and housekeeping. Many recall her tasty meals at Twomey’s Truck Stop and the amazing pies she made while working at the Royal Café. Her abilities in the kitchen at home were always appreciated as she shared her jellies, pickled fish, cookies, desserts and many other goodies made with love. She was glad to share her recipes as well as her knowledge of plants and flowers. Her positive nature was displayed when she would try to keep them as long as she could, cherishing even the smallest slip of a plant in hopes of it growing. From a young age she was quite a seamstress and would take in many sewing projects for her friends besides sewing many of her own clothes. Many would comment on the beautiful jewelry that would accompany her handmade outfits. Nellie enjoyed watching wildlife and would entertain others with stories of their laughable antics. She was kind and always had a place in her heart for animals. She enjoyed children and gave hugs that brought a smile to the young and old. She was so very positive and saw the best in people. Nellie had a genuine love for people and a desire to help them in any way she could. She often helped and encouraged them by sharing her faith in the Creator and the real value of the Bible. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she was a great student of the Bible and participated in regular Bible study discussions. Her emphatic and joyous singing at the Kingdom Hall encouraged the friends she was surrounded by. Her friends also fondly remember the many trips to larger Bible seminars that were made together over the years. She was looking forward to attending this year’s District Bible Convention in Milwaukee this summer. Nellie would often write down notes and inspirational quotes. She recently wrote “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” Nellie is survived by her sister, Mary Schwantz of St. Louis Park, MN; nieces, nephews, in-laws, and many, many loving friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 32 years, Joe; brothers, Albert and Peter Smith; and sister, Ellen Kroyer.

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Nellie E. Schlichting

August 20, 1938 - January 22, 2014