Elna E. Nelson, age 79, of 401 Dakota Avenue; Gladstone died Monday evening, July 23rd, 2007 at home surrounded by many of her family members.

Elna was born February 26th, 1928 in Gladstone, the daughter of Andrew and Hilma (Basear) Anderson and was a life-long resident of Gladstone. After graduating from the Gladstone High School in 1946, she was employed at Alger-Delta Electric Cooperation and retired from there in 1980.

She married Glenn A Nelson July 9th, 1949 at First Lutheran Church of Gladstone. Glenn preceded her in death March 9th, 2005. Elna was an active member of the First Lutheran Church and was a member of the  church choir for many years. In addition, she was a member of the “Charity Circle”, “Sewing Circle”, WELCA, and she was in charge of the “Cradle Roll” at church.  Elna was also a member of the “Bay Sages”, “Friends of the Library”, “Study Club”, and a bridge club with friends.

Elna and her husband, Glenn, were always active in community charitable activities, whether it was associated with church, or with other organizations. However, quietly helping family, friends, and strangers with their time, talent, or treasure was part of their unassuming nature and, unknowingly, were an example to others about caring and kindness. 
 
Elna and Glenn always enjoyed their family and their grandchildren were one of their greatest sources of joy. Attending their school activities and sporting events was an important part of their lives that they treasured.  

Elna Nelson’s survivors include:

2 Sons- Stephen (Linda) Nelson of Sault Ste. Marie, MI
               Paul (Bonnie) Nelson of Menominee, MI

1 Daughter- Lori (Michael) Marmalick of Gladstone

1 Sister- Ellen Gobel of Eagle River, WI

6 Grandchildren- Marc (Kelly) Roe, David Nelson, Adam (Sarah) Nelson,
                                Eric Nelson, Jennifer (Adam Peterson) Marmalick,
                                and Paul (Laura Curran) Marmalick

1 Great-granddaughter, Makayla

And by nieces and nepews.

She also leaves to survive brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Merwin and Carol Nelson of Bothell, WA
and by another brother-in-law, Russell Larson of Manistee, MI

In addition to her parents and husband, Glenn, she was preceded in death by 3 brothers; Ben, Alvin, and Waldemar Anderson and by a sister, Helga Apelgren.

The family of Elna E. Nelson will receive friends on Sunday at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services celebrating Elna’s life will follow at 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the First Lutheran Church with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery. The family respectfully requests memorials be directed to the First Lutheran Church or for the Friends of the Library Association. Envelopes will available at the church or at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County who are assisting the Nelson family.