Charlotte Ellen Nelson

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Charlotte Ellen Nelson of White bear Lake, MN. She peacefully passed away surrounded by her amazing family on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the age of 87 following a courageous, determined, and spirited battle with lymphoma.

Charlotte was born on July 9, 1937 to Aldon and Alvina Rix in Fergus Falls, MN. On March 1, 1958 she married the love of her life, Donald Duane Nelson, and was blessed with four loving children. Her family was truly her pride and joy.

Charlotte made the most of every moment and found joy in even the simplest things, like spending time around any type of water be it ocean, lake or river. She loved to travel near and far via car, RV, plane or ship, including Maine (rv), the Caribbean, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, middle Europe, and most recently Alaska. Char took pride in being a winter Texan and sharing her love for a good card game and her laugh with everyone she met. Alway eager to lend a helping hand, Charlotte enthusiastically volunteered at MOPS in Park Rapids, MN, TRMF Medora, ND, and at her son’s tree farm in Hudson, WI.

As a true lover of animals, she always had a devoted dog by her side and they always brought her so much joy. She passed down her love for animals to her family. Charlotte was an avid reader and a talented crafter including homemade Christmas stockings and baby booties for all the generations. Charlotte always wanted to be a teacher and we hope she knew she taught her family and friends her entire life.

Charlotte will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 66 years, Don; her children, 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, Darcy Larson-Breanne (Chris) Hite – Owen and Hailey; McKinsy (Darren) Goodman - Emilia, Jaxon; Maddy (Preston) Weismann. Kirk (Lisa) Nelson-Elliot and Emmit. Kelly (Tony) Lippo – Stephanie (Jon) Ponting – Quinn, Camille, Ellery; Tanner (Alyssa) Lippo. Dana (Brent Schroeder) Nelson – Gabby, Sydney, and Sami. She is also survived by her sister, Dori Fossen, and sister-in-law, Helen Rix, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

She will also be missed by all her dear friends at Split Rail RV Park in Mission, TX, and Hidden Pathways Condo in White Bear Lake, MN, and, of course, beloved dog, Texi.

Charlotte joined her loved ones in heaven including her parents, Aldon and Alvina Rix; siblings, Shirley Carthray, Jessie Heyen, Marvin Rix, Neva Rawson, Bernie Hanes, Phyllis Nelson; brothers-in-law, Jerry Heyen, Richard Rawson, Bud Mobraten, Sheldon Fossen, Kenny Nelson; sisters-in-law, LaDelle Walsh, Florence Mobraten.

Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 15, at Oak Park Community Church, 12050 Aberdeen St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449 with visitation at 10am and service at 11am. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.