Betty Nelson

Betty L. Nelson, 98 of Bloomington, MN passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Suite Living Lakeville and under the care of Suite Living Hospice.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 24, 2026, at North Buffalo Lutheran Church, 2542 120th Ave N, Moorhead, MN with Rev. Mark Nerland officiating. Burial will follow in the North Buffalo Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-6:30 PM, Friday, October 23, 2026, at Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service in Moorhead, MN with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday at the church.

Betty Louise Pake was born August 3, 1928, the daughter of HC (Neal) and Frieda (Johnson) Pake. She graduated from Moorhead High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society in spite of having to take a few weeks off each spring and fall to help with farmwork. One of her favorite memories was at age 13 she learned to drive the tractor and also caddied golf clubs for her Aunt Lila.

Marrying Casper (Cappy) Nelson December 11, 1947, they eventually bought the Nelson homestead and farmed sugar beets, oats, barley and wheat until his retirement in 1984.

North Buffalo Lutheran Church has been the family church for decades. Betty served her church in many capacities including as a member of the choir, Naomi Circle, WELCA and as a Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. She helped the Quilters and also donated many fabrics to the projects.

Family was important to Betty. She and Cappy were the proud parents of Ginny and Dave. The family enjoyed fishing on the homemade pontoon, usually at Pelican Lake or Lake Melissa when it rained or if the farmwork was done. She enjoyed outdoor gardening both flowers and in the large vegetable garden. Canning and freezing for the family occupied much of her time. Cooking and baking were a big part of her day, sometimes taking hot meals to the field. She also enjoyed indoor gardening, at one time raising African Violets and later, Orchids became her hobby.

Betty was a longtime member of Sweet Adelines barbershop music organization and the Forever Mores Quartet. They performed in competitions in North America and England.

Over the years to supplement the farm income she worked part time at Red Owl, All Occasion Flowers, Levi Runions Greenhouse and Cut Top Quiet Top.

Betty moved to Bloomington, MN in 2008 and shared a home with Ginny and Phil. She especially enjoyed being able to spend more time with the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Betty and Ginny worked together in a craft business, Fanfare Tableware. Ginny would cut the fabric for table runners, placemats and napkins and Betty would serge the decorative edge.

She will be missed by her children, Ginny and Phil Radtke, Dave and Peggy Nelson; sister Mary Wright; brother and sister-in-law Don and Joan Pake; Grandchildren Jeff Radtke, Jenifer and Jeff Beaudoin, Jayson and Jeanine Radtke, Reenie and Murray Anduss. Great Grandchildren Christopher Beaudoin, Matthew Beaudoin, Monica Beaudoin, Davis Radtke, Sam Radtke, Alex Schatt, Adam K., Spencer Anduss and Brynn Anduss. Great-Great Grandchild Paisley Rose Anduss. Also, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Cappy Nelson; parents Neal and Frieda Pake; sisters Marlys Dahl and Joanne Sipe; brothers-in-law Ernest Dahl, Bill Sipe, Jerry Wright, Ed Nelson, Jim Nelson, Everett Sprague; sister-in- law Clarice Sprague; nieces Linda Jo Sipe, Janet Hersrud, Deborah Zeller, Beverly Nelson, Eileen Van Cleave; nephew Ken Nelson, Dean Sipe; Great grandson Taylor Anduss.