Eileen A. Nelson

Eileen Nelson passed away on March 5, 2024, at the age of 81.

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to our beloved Eileen A. Nelson, who passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and a cherished friend to many.

Eileen Ann Aakhus was born September 29, 1942, in McIntosh, MN, to Andy and Tracy Aakhus. She grew up on a farm near McIntosh and graduated from McIntosh High School in 1960.  On December 31, 1965, she was united in marriage to Sidney Nelson. For a short period, they lived at Fort Meade in Maryland while Sidney completed his military service. They then returned to Minnesota and made their home in East Grand Forks, MN, and welcomed six children. In 1985, the family moved to Moorhead, MN.

Eileen was a talented and skilled seamstress and used her talents both professionally as well as personally. Eileen and Sidney worked side by side operating Nelson Draperies & Blinds for nearly 50 years. Her work is likely in countless homes and businesses. If you have something that Eileen sewed, you know that her seams were meticulous and sewn to last a lifetime. Her attention to detail and passion for her craft earned her admiration and respect within the community.

Beyond her talents with a needle and thread, Eileen was well known for her ability to remember the names and details of all that she came in contact with. She always had a story to share or was the one that so many sought to tell the memories of yesteryear.

Above all, Eileen will be remembered for her kindness, her warmth, her unwavering love and never-ending pride for her family. She was a beacon of strength and support, always ready with a comforting embrace or a listening ear. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Eileen is survived by her husband, Sidney Nelson; children, Del (Linda), Jerry (Debbie), Tom (Shelly), Andy (Lisa), Jolene (Robbie) Grande, and Mary Nelson; grandchildren, Matthew (Emily) Johnson, Josh (Melissa) Johnson, Zacariah Nelson, Katie Nelson, Brenner Nelson, Emily Gulland-Nelson, Ethan Gulland-Nelson; as well as four great-grandchildren; brothers, Duwain (Bonnie) Aakhus and Paul Aakhus; sister, Barb (Bill) Marshall; brothers and sisters-in-law, Norman (Ione) Nelson, Ordean Nelson, Verona (George) Gardiner, Russell (Marilyn) Nelson, and Judy Lundeen. In addition, she is survived by countless dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.

As we mourn the loss of Eileen, let us also celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the countless lives she touched. May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in eternal peace. Forever in our hearts, Eileen will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Eileen’s life.

A Visitation for Eileen will begin at 1:00 PM, Thursday, March 21, 2024, followed by her Funeral Service beginning at 2:00 PM, in North Buffalo Lutheran Church, rural Kragnes, MN.  A Graveside Service will be at 1:00 PM, Friday, March 22, 2024, in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Oklee, MN, followed by a time of Lunch and Fellowship in the Zion Lutheran Church, 308 Lambert St, Oklee.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)