Obituary for Nancy Rebecca Nelson (Helland)
Nancy Helland Nelson
Nancy Helland Nelson of St. Paul died January 23, 2021, at the age of 91. An intelligent, strong-willed, compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Nancy led with her heart and had a “people person” spark. Married 66 years to Rev. John F. Nelson, Nancy was the social center of our active family of 5 children and spouses and 11 grandchildren. She loved classical music, theater, and choral concerts—especially with cello. Nancy focused our attention on the new snow sparkle, moonlight, sunsets, flowers, and fall colors. As the cheering section for all, she watched diverse sports games, performances, plays, and recitals of her children and grandchildren. Nancy loved piling kids into the family station wagon for road trips around the country. But at the end of the day, when all were asleep, she sat down to read three different newspapers, ready to discuss current issues in the morning.
Nancy had a devout faith and dedication to church work. She laughed joyously and delighted in hosting gatherings of visitors, family, and friends. A compassionate listener, Nancy had a genuine interest in people, going beyond initial pleasantries, asking the second question of someone, and then waiting to hear their response. There were countless conversations around her kitchen table, often late into the night, usually with strong black coffee, her curiosity leading the way as she asked people about themselves and debated topics of the day.
Born July 12, 1929, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, raised near Milwaukee, Nancy Waite Helland primarily grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from Central High School in Tulsa in 1947 and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, in 1951. She followed in her mother’s footsteps choreographing and directing shows and playing the cello. She met John at St. Olaf, and they married in 1952. She taught high school English in Minnesota while John was in seminary and funded a memorable trip to Europe by ship, which started with the railroad infamously routing their luggage west to Vancouver, Canada. At the same time, they boarded a train in Montreal heading east and a ship to Europe with just the clothes on their backs. The trip created a life-long, close relationship with relatives in Norway and friends in France. Over the years, family enriched Nancy’s life. Both Nancy and John descended from Norwegian immigrants and Nancy enjoyed celebrating Scandinavian heritage, making sure Christmas Nissa filled their home on her favorite holiday.
For eight years, Nancy worked alongside John in three South Dakota churches in Salem, Spencer, and Brookings. A short stay in Princeton for John’s graduate theology program in 1962 turned into 34 years at Calvary Lutheran Church in Allendale, New Jersey. Nancy was integral in serving this active, growing congregation, forging deep friendships while serving its mission. Nancy helped coordinate activities such as bible study, women’s circle, church women’s executive board, choir, family retreats, and annual Chaplain stays at Koinonia church summer camp. She was known for her fresh baked goods at church coffee hours because she would slip out of the service early to whip up a cheesecake at the parsonage next door when she saw it was needed.
Nancy was a motivating adult presence for many young people. Through her work with Lutheran youth groups, she counseled teenagers regarding critical life questions and encouraged them to grow and gain confidence. For over 40 years, she and John guided youth in planning multiple successful retreats, fundraisers, Easter sunrise services, community service projects, and “lock-in” church sleepovers. One highlight was the annual National Lutheran Youth Gatherings where she excelled at helping teenagers get the most out of 72 hours of convention activities and city exploration. Sleep was not a priority. Key to Nancy’s contributions was a knack for bringing fun and shenanigans to these events; she did not disappoint.
After retirement, Nancy and John spent time near daughters in Connecticut and Montana (serving church roles out west) before returning to settle in the Twin Cities, where three adult children and extended family lived. Trips to Alaska and Montana to spend time with growing grandchildren also were important. Nancy lived to see her last grandchild graduate high school in 2020. Unvarying over all the years, Nancy was known as a night owl by fellow college students, friends, Luther leaguers and her own children who came in past curfew welcomed home with a bite of toast with mom. She will be remembered for her wit, wisdom, and grace.
Nancy’s husband Rev. John F. Nelson passed away in 2019. She is predeceased by her parents, N.D. Helland and Naomi Waite Helland. Nancy is lovingly remembered by her children: Kristen Nelson (Tom Will) of St. Paul, Minnesota (Kaila and Thorbjorn); Gretchen Nelson (John Wolfe Jr.) of Anchorage, Alaska (Rebecca and Avery); Kathryn Nelson (H.T. Fish) of St. Paul. (Taryn and Schyler); Julie B. Comes (Dean) of Lewistown, Montana (Madison, Mikayla, and Collin), and Rev. John D.F. Nelson (Stephanie) of Bloomington, Minnesota (Sarah and Tyler). She is survived by her brother, Dennis Helland (Jane), of Bloomington, Minnesota, many Helland relatives anchored by a Century Farm in Huxley, Iowa; her sisters-in-law, Loey Nelson and Rif Nelson, and numerous Nelson/Roe relatives. The family is eternally grateful to the caregivers from Visiting Angels, HomeInstead and Waters who compassionately assisted in Nancy’s care, especially when we could not be with her. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held this summer. Memorials welcomed to youth groups, your spiritual home, or St. Olaf College.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088
Nancy Helland Nelson of St. Paul died January 23, 2021, at the age of 91. An intelligent, strong-willed, compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Nancy led with her heart and had a “people person” spark. Married 66 years to Rev. John F. Nelson, Nancy was the social center of our active family of 5 children and spouses and 11 grandchildren. She loved classical music, theater, and choral concerts—especially with cello. Nancy focused our attention on the new snow sparkle, moonlight, sunsets, flowers, and fall colors. As the cheering section for all, she watched diverse sports games, performances, plays, and recitals of her children and grandchildren. Nancy loved piling kids into the family station wagon for road trips around the country. But at the end of the day, when all were asleep, she sat down to read three different newspapers, ready to discuss current issues in the morning.
Nancy had a devout faith and dedication to church work. She laughed joyously and delighted in hosting gatherings of visitors, family, and friends. A compassionate listener, Nancy had a genuine interest in people, going beyond initial pleasantries, asking the second question of someone, and then waiting to hear their response. There were countless conversations around her kitchen table, often late into the night, usually with strong black coffee, her curiosity leading the way as she asked people about themselves and debated topics of the day.
Born July 12, 1929, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, raised near Milwaukee, Nancy Waite Helland primarily grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from Central High School in Tulsa in 1947 and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, in 1951. She followed in her mother’s footsteps choreographing and directing shows and playing the cello. She met John at St. Olaf, and they married in 1952. She taught high school English in Minnesota while John was in seminary and funded a memorable trip to Europe by ship, which started with the railroad infamously routing their luggage west to Vancouver, Canada. At the same time, they boarded a train in Montreal heading east and a ship to Europe with just the clothes on their backs. The trip created a life-long, close relationship with relatives in Norway and friends in France. Over the years, family enriched Nancy’s life. Both Nancy and John descended from Norwegian immigrants and Nancy enjoyed celebrating Scandinavian heritage, making sure Christmas Nissa filled their home on her favorite holiday.
For eight years, Nancy worked alongside John in three South Dakota churches in Salem, Spencer, and Brookings. A short stay in Princeton for John’s graduate theology program in 1962 turned into 34 years at Calvary Lutheran Church in Allendale, New Jersey. Nancy was integral in serving this active, growing congregation, forging deep friendships while serving its mission. Nancy helped coordinate activities such as bible study, women’s circle, church women’s executive board, choir, family retreats, and annual Chaplain stays at Koinonia church summer camp. She was known for her fresh baked goods at church coffee hours because she would slip out of the service early to whip up a cheesecake at the parsonage next door when she saw it was needed.
Nancy was a motivating adult presence for many young people. Through her work with Lutheran youth groups, she counseled teenagers regarding critical life questions and encouraged them to grow and gain confidence. For over 40 years, she and John guided youth in planning multiple successful retreats, fundraisers, Easter sunrise services, community service projects, and “lock-in” church sleepovers. One highlight was the annual National Lutheran Youth Gatherings where she excelled at helping teenagers get the most out of 72 hours of convention activities and city exploration. Sleep was not a priority. Key to Nancy’s contributions was a knack for bringing fun and shenanigans to these events; she did not disappoint.
After retirement, Nancy and John spent time near daughters in Connecticut and Montana (serving church roles out west) before returning to settle in the Twin Cities, where three adult children and extended family lived. Trips to Alaska and Montana to spend time with growing grandchildren also were important. Nancy lived to see her last grandchild graduate high school in 2020. Unvarying over all the years, Nancy was known as a night owl by fellow college students, friends, Luther leaguers and her own children who came in past curfew welcomed home with a bite of toast with mom. She will be remembered for her wit, wisdom, and grace.
Nancy’s husband Rev. John F. Nelson passed away in 2019. She is predeceased by her parents, N.D. Helland and Naomi Waite Helland. Nancy is lovingly remembered by her children: Kristen Nelson (Tom Will) of St. Paul, Minnesota (Kaila and Thorbjorn); Gretchen Nelson (John Wolfe Jr.) of Anchorage, Alaska (Rebecca and Avery); Kathryn Nelson (H.T. Fish) of St. Paul. (Taryn and Schyler); Julie B. Comes (Dean) of Lewistown, Montana (Madison, Mikayla, and Collin), and Rev. John D.F. Nelson (Stephanie) of Bloomington, Minnesota (Sarah and Tyler). She is survived by her brother, Dennis Helland (Jane), of Bloomington, Minnesota, many Helland relatives anchored by a Century Farm in Huxley, Iowa; her sisters-in-law, Loey Nelson and Rif Nelson, and numerous Nelson/Roe relatives. The family is eternally grateful to the caregivers from Visiting Angels, HomeInstead and Waters who compassionately assisted in Nancy’s care, especially when we could not be with her. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held this summer. Memorials welcomed to youth groups, your spiritual home, or St. Olaf College.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088