Elizabeth (Wood) Louise Nelson

Elizabeth (Wood) Louise Nelson

We would like to celebrate the life of Elizabeth Nelson (fondly referred to as Betty Lou), beloved wife of Reverend John Nelson, devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, adored sister and cherished friend. Elizabeth peacefully departed this life surrounded by her loving family on January 11th, at the age of 94.

She was born in 1930 in India, the eldest daughter of Dr. Ted and Dorothea Wood. She lived in India until she was 18 years old when she came to the United States. She enrolled at Midland Lutheran College where she met her husband of 71 years John Nelson. She attended nursing school at Immanuel Hospital School of Nursing while John went to seminary. When she graduated in 1953, they were married. They were called to serve as missionaries by the Lutheran Church where they served for forty years in Malaysia and Singapore.

She is survived by her seven children Denise Nelson, Tim (Loree) Nelson, David Nelson, Erika (Jay) Fink, Philip (Tiki) Nelson, Peter (Kelly) Nelson, and Michael (JeanEl) Nelson; fifteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren; her two sisters Shirley (Bob) Kocher and Pat (John) Remias.

Elizabeth was a beacon of love and faith throughout her life. She dedicated herself to her family and was a nurturing mother to her seven children. Her unwavering support and guidance shaped their lives and instilled in them the values of kindness, compassion, and service. A passionate servant of the Lord, Elizabeth devoted many years to ministry, touching the lives of countless individuals in her community in India, Malaysia, Singapore and the U.S. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she inspired others through her actions, always putting the needs of others before her own. Elizabeth’s warmth, grace, and genuine spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy of love and faith continue to inspire all of us. All memorials can be sent to the “Elizabeth Nelson Memorial Fund” using the link below or the QR code. Checks may be made out to “LPGM” with a note/memo line for the E. Nelson Memorial Fund, and mailed to:

Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry
4570 W 77th St. Ste 124
Minneapolis MN 55435

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Luther Memorial Church, 1201 Grandview Ave, Des Moines.

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