Ruth E. Nelson, 92, of Austin, Minn., died Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin of natural causes.

Ruth E. Steuck was born June 19, 1921, in Primghar, Iowa to William and Dora (Petersen) Steuck.  She attended country school, graduating from high school in Primghar, Iowa in 1938. On June 9, 1940, she was united in marriage to William Nelson in Sanborn, Iowa. The couple farmed in Iowa until 1950. They moved to Minnesota, where they settled and farmed in Waltham and were happily married for 74 years.

Ruth helped on the farm when the children were older. She also worked in the hospitality industry at the Holiday Inn and Best Western Hotels, and then in food service at Riverland Community College. After Bill retired from farming in 1970, the couple moved to Austin. Bill passed away April 11, 2014.  Ruth was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brownsdale, where she was active in circle and other activities. She enjoyed her flower garden and mowing the lawn.

She is survived by her children Dennis (Diane) Nelson of Waltham, Minn. and Vicki (Lowell) Steen of Blue Earth, Minn.; seven grandchildren; Troy, Terri, Todd, Toni, Alan, Amy and April; 13 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren; three sisters, Norma Brinkert of Sanborn, Iowa, Irene Smith of Sparta, N.J., and Lorraine McCauley of Primghar, Iowa; and many other wonderful relatives and friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William Nelson; two brothers Fred and Arnold; two sisters-in-law, and three brothers-in-law.

A private family service will be held after cremation with the Rev. Jeff Sage officiating. Memorials may be sent to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 411 West Main Street, Brownsdale, MN, 55918. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.