Iola Nelson, 90, of Battle Lake, died Thursday, March 23, 2017 at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan.
Iola Theresa Stenoien Nelson was born on Osakis, MN. October 6th, 1926 to Ole and Bura (Bowen) Stenoien. She was delivered by her uncle DR. George Haberman. Grandma said that there were many times that the Drs. said she would not live as she would get everything worse than her siblings. When she was 6 they moved to Hanks ND. to homestead a farm out there. Shortly after that the great depression hit and the drought made it impossible to grow a crop so they had to return to MN. to make a living. When Iola was 15 she was diagnosed with TB, and admitted to Otter Tail Sanitarium to be treated and was there for 2 years. Upon returning home she finished her high school years at Hillcrest Academy. She also attended one year of bible college. After completing these she attended teachers training for one year. She did her practice teaching at "The Little Red School House" outside of Battle Lake. She taught in a one room country school and she said they asked 2 questions in her interview. They were," can you sing and can you play softball", she was hired and taught a year just south of Battle Lake. Just before she started teaching she married Paul Nelson at the parsonage for the Alliance Church on Feb. 21st, 1948. The next year they had a son Mike and then the next April they added Jerry. When she was expecting Jerry she had a spot of TB. show up on her lung and the DR, thought she could not carry her pregnancy to term with this, she chose too. The next 2 years they added Carol and Laurie to the family. She then had a diagnosis of TB again and had to go to the Sanitarium at Walker to be treated. She had part of lung removed at Glenn Lake Sanitarium and recovered faster than the rest as they could not keep her down in bed as they did at that time. Paul and Bura took care of the four kids till Bura had a gallbladder attack and had to go to the hospital. The kids then stayed with different family members. Mike and Jerry stayed with Paul's brother and wife (Ken and Eva), Carol and Laurie stayed in Osakis. Laurie stayed with Iola's aunt Thilda and Carol stayed with her cousin the Robinsons. Iola worked several jobs over the years as a book keeper. Star Woolen co., GTA elevator, Ashby creamery, Mid Am dairy, Battle Lake Nursing home, where she retired from. Over those years she was hospitalized often with Colitis and side effects of this disease. During those times family stepped in to help care for the children, as Paul had to work and the kids also needed to be cared for. Iola was active in First Lutheran church as Sunday School teacher and as superintendent. She also was a bible study leader for her circle. She also worked in the church office part time. Iola enjoyed being the lector on Sunday mornings. Iola was also a 4-H leader from Eagle Lake 4-H and one year wrote a one act play that
they presented and took 2nd place. She enjoyed collecting dolls, singing in the choir, crocheting, knitting, reading and writing stories and making up hand stories for grandkids and special occasions. She also enjoyed judging the local speech meets and spending time with the speech students traveling to different locations. After retirement Iola and Paul spent a lot of time traveling, camping, and going out for sleigh rides or wagon rides. Iola has 9 grandchildren who spent a lot of time at grandma's house. Tumbles, out of gas, tangle with a skunk call grandma and grandpa for help. Iola enjoyed Paul's Model T that they took in parades many times. Iola was active in sr. citizens in Battle Lake till her health made it impossible, then the members helped her to stay as active as possible.
In Oct. of 2016 Iola entered the Battle Lake care Center that she had helped get started.
Iola was preceded in death by her husband Paul, Mother and father Bura and Ole Stenoien, brothers, Jerald and Ben
(and wife Yvonne), infant Jackie, sisters Muriel (spouse Warren) and Camilla (spouse Ralph), infant Ramona Claire,
Great Granddaughter Chloe Mae Evans, brother in laws Vernon Nelson (spouse Gladys), Ken (spouse Eva) Lloyd (spouse Betty) Merwin (spouse Betty), Duane Peterson, sister in laws Ethel Gilbertson and Mona Nelson.
Survived by Sons Mike(Suzanne), Jerry (Betty), daughters Carol Nelson and Laurie (Vic) Hanson-Zelinsky.
Grandchildren, Becca (Chad) Foote-Nelson and their children Odin and Jasper. Lisha (John) Poulakis and their children John and Cheyenne. Jeremy (Stacy) Nelson and their children Madison, Grant, Molly, Henry, Harvey and Harrison. David (Rachel) Nelson and their children Hannah (Troy) Walker and Dessa. Matthew Nelson and his Daughters Madaline and Merissa. Paul (Samantha) Hanson and their son Paul. Jackie (Damon) Zerby and their Children Christopher and Jarod. Laca (Aaron) Evans and Elizabeth. Scott (Arrie) Hanson.
Brothers Noel (Jan) Stenoin and Doug (LaVola) Stenoien and Sister Bonnie Peterson and sister in law Mavis Stenoien. And many more Nieces, nephews and friends that will all miss her greatly.
Memorial Service - Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 11 AM at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake, MN with visitation 1 hour prior.
Clergy - Rev Bradley Skogen
Interment - First Lutheran Cemetery, Battle Lake
Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake
Iola's Memorial Folder