Elsie Mae Nelson

Elsie Mae (Klapperich) Nelson, age 85, formerly of Walker and Bemidji, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6th, 2025 at Vitality Living in Park Rapids, MN .

Elsie was born on April 8th, 1940 to John and Gertrude (Mandler) Klapperich in Aitkin, MN. She graduated from Aitkin High School in 1958 and received a Home Economics Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1962. Elsie taught in Melrose, MN, and worked for the Agricultural Extension Service in Hubbard and Martin Counties of Minnesota. 

On January 25th, 1969, she married Robert (Bob) Nelson of Park Rapids, MN, and became a full time mother to Rodney, Gwen, Amy, and Eric. A passion in her growing years was the many projects and activities of the Lakeland 4H Club. She loved to travel, visiting CA with her family twice. Later, she traveled to Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe. She spent many hours volunteering for Calvary Evangelical Free Church, the Food Shelf, Countryside Coop in Hackensack, and the Senior Citizens. She spent many years (2005-2016) volunteering as a Foster Grandparent at the WHA Elementary School and later in Bemidji at Northern and Central Elementary Schools. 

Elsie is survived by step-son Rod (Sarah) Nelson of Hartland, WI; step-daughter Gwen (Dave) Lass of Pelican Rapids, MN; daughter Amy (Gordy) Beighley of Bemidji, MN; and son Eric Nelson of Park Rapids, MN; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Don and Bernadette Parks of Rice Lake, WI; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Charles and Marilyn Olson of Aurora, MN. Elsie is also survived by grandchildren Aaron (Kerry) Reuter, Morgan (Danny) Noster, Whitney Nelson, Jacob Nelson, Brady (Jamie) Wroe, Chase Wroe, Austin (AJ) Wroe, Paige Beighley, Parker Beighley, and Caden Beighley; and great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bob; two infant brothers – James and Loyd; brother Dan and sister-in-law Jeanne Klapperich;and  brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Sharon Nelson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Walker with Pastor Mark Widman officiating, with visitation an hour prior to the service at the church. Following the luncheon, a private family burial will be at Turtle Lake Cemetery in Walker, MN. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, MN.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elsie Mae Nelson, please visit our floral store.