Patricia Ann Nelson

Patricia "Patty" Ann Nelson, of Ham Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully after her long battle with Parkinson’s Disease on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was a loving wife to Alger for 60 years, a doting mother to Mike and Connie, grandmother (6) and great-grandmother (3), all who were her pride and joy.

She was born in Minneapolis on June 24th, 1943, to Jack and Luella Gallagher, and the oldest of 11 siblings. Patty was the matriarch of her family, acting as a caregiver to all of her siblings. She was proud of her Irish heritage. Patty was a member of the first graduating class of Spring Lake Park High School in 1961. She went on to have multiple jobs including Minnesota State Seed Co., caretaking roles from newborns to elderly, and retiring from Braasted Electric. It is no surprise her favorite job was selling Home Interiors products where she decorated people's lives. Patty’s elegantly decorated home was her sanctuary.

Patty and Alger married in 1966 at St. Joseph Church. Their marriage was one of service and sacrifice, seen in the love and commitment they showed each other. She absolutely adored her husband, had never ending love for her children, and an unwavering support for her grandchildren and great-grandsons.

She will be remembered for her quick wit and sarcasm, her desire to be in the know of all the updates (we would call it gossip but she’d deny that), and her love for babies and kitties. She had a special admiration for beautiful accessories – purses, earrings, brooches (the first to call you out if not wearing any), enjoyed a good tea party at the Mad Hatter, had a love for shopping and craft fairs, spent a lot of time on her deck, and always had a fresh set of nails.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Luella (Freeburg) Gallagher; brother, Thomas Gallagher; sisters-in-law, Anita Gallagher and Margie Nelson; nieces, Kellie Taylor, Kristen Nelson and Jennifer Snow; nephews, Trevor Hoheisel, Chad Leibel, Zachary Crouse, and Travis Jarosiewicz.

She is survived by her husband, Alger Nelson; children, Mike (Nancy) Nelson and Connie (Dan Spenny) Nelson; grandchildren, Abbey (Nick) Carver, Emily (John) Hicke, Jordan (Connor) Mullen, Lauren Nelson, Bryce (Ella) Nelson, and Brayden Belk; great- grandsons, Hayden and Graham Hicke and Jameson Mullen; siblings, Barb (Wally) Dill, John Gallagher, Linda Hoheisel, Pam (Hal) Leibel, Robert Gallagher, Jeff (Sandy) Gallagher, Joe Gallagher, Todd Gallagher, Peter Gallagher, and Brian Gallagher; many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 18th at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes, MN 55014.