Valeria Nelson

Valeria Faye Nelson, age 82, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died Monday, March 6, 2017 at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND. Valeria Faye Nelson was born to Cora Faye (Northway) and Charles Albert Flesher in Willow Springs, Missouri. Valeria attended a small one room school and later graduated Valedictorian from Alba, Mo. High School. She attended Joplin Junior College for two years studying library science. While working at the YMCA camp in Estes Park, Colorado in the summer of 1954, she met a young Airman, Paul Nelson. Paul was stationed with the Air Force in Denver, CO. At the end of summer Valeria returned to college in Joplin, MO. Paul was assigned to duty in Alaska. After writing letters through the winter, Valeria flew to Alaska, where she and Paul were married on June 5th, 1955. The next 19+ years, they raised three sons, and traveled where the Air Force sent them. One of their highlight assignments was 4 years in Germany, and Norway. They retired from the Air Force in June, 1974, and moved to Paul's home farm where they dairy farmed for several years. Valeria always worked alongside Paul with the farming. After retiring from farming, they became "winter Texans", spending several winters in Uvalde, Texas. Valeria enjoyed reading, gardening, taking care of animals, watching birds, and enjoying the simple things in life. She served on the Pelican Rapids Hospital Board, and was active in many church activities. Those who knew her recognized her kind spirit and accommodating personality, and her gentleness will be missed.Valeria is survived by husband Paul, Pelican Rapids; 3 sons: David (Pam) Nelson, Marshall, Virginia, Steve (Vera) Nelson, Pelican Rapids, Lloyd (Donna) Nelson, Pelican Rapids; 10 grandchildren: Erik Nelson, Justin (Amanda) Nelson, Samantha Nelson, Cassandra Nelson, Zachary Nelson, Francis Nelson, Sarah (Dave) Berres, Erin (Keith) Plemons, Kraig Nelson and Shelby Nelson; great-grandson Matthew Nelson (Justin and Amanda); sister Barbara (Bill) Nichols, Carthage, Missouri; brothers: Wendell Flesher, Webb City, Missouri and George (Blanche) Flesher, Carthage, Missouri; sister-in-law Sylvia (Larry) Gripentrog, Fergus Falls, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Patricia (Kenneth) Vanwey.Visitation will be Friday, March 10, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.Memorial Service will be at 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 10, 2017, at Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.Clergy: Pastor Brad Soenksen Please keep the Nelson family in your thoughts and prayers.Funeral Home: Larson Funeral Home 304 3rd Street S.E. Pelican Rapids, MN US 56572 Valeria's Memorial Folder