Colleen Kay Nelson, 76

Published 10:19 am Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Colleen Kay Nelson, 76

Colleen Kay Nelson, 76, of Lake City, Minnesota, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died on Jan. 1, 2017, at her home after a courageous battle with a brain tumor.

She was born on July 4, 1940, to Virgil and H. Alvira Despard in Cresco, Iowa. Colleen grew up in Austin and graduated from high school there in 1958. Shortly after, she married Ernest Nelson on Aug. 23, 1958, in Austin where they were both members of St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

In 1969 Colleen and Ernest moved to Des Moines, IA and then in 1970 they moved to Lake City where they have been since. She worked at The Galley and Di Acro in Lake City. She then went to work for IBM until her retirement. She was a skilled archer; she even was the Minnesota State Archery Grand Champion for three years in the 1960s. She was also an avid crafter, and enjoyed crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, and antiquing.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Ernest “Ernie” Nelson; two daughters, Kristine Finley of Austin and Kim (Brian) Richardson of Rose Creek, Minnesota; one son, Michael (Dawn) Nelson of Lake City; six grandchildren, Katrina (Nick) Giovannetti, Daniel Finley, Rebecca Asp (Isaiah Wright), Emily (Garrett) Wehner, Kelly (Chad) Hager, and Tammy (Aaron) Prebe; and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, H. Alvira (Danielson) Despard; father, Virgil “Hook” Despard; and her granddaughter, Sarah Colleen Finley.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at Valley View Assembly of God Church with Orin Sandberg and Dr. David Valkos officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com