RaeAnn Nelson passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at the age of 87 surrounded by family at Altru Hospital due to complications from lung cancer. She departed this world peacefully leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness which will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

RaeAnn Adele Olson was born on February 17, 1936 in Oslo, MN, the first of 9 children born to Ralph & Verol (Hawkinson) Olson. She graduated from East Grand Forks High School in 1954. RaeAnn married Norman Nelson on December 30, 1954 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in East Grand Forks, MN while Norman was home on leave from the US Army. They lived in Kentucky and Georgia during his service. Following his discharge, they returned to Oslo to live and farm. RaeAnn worked for 15 years as a secretary/bookkeeper for the Gene Thompson Potato Co. in Oslo. She served on the Oslo City Council and later spent 10 years as a part-time office worker for the city and was also a substitute bus driver for the Oslo Public School.

RaeAnn was a talented seamstress making many quilts and things for her church, home, and family. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, traveling, cooking & entertaining. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Zion WELCA and the Oslo Ladies Sextet. RaeAnn loved spending time with her grandchildren & great-grandchildren and was so proud of all their achievements. Also, spending warm, sunny days at the lake in the summer, digging in the soil gardening, and delivering food to the guys working in the field all warmed her heart.

RaeAnn is survived by her children, Connie (Jim) Strand of Grand Forks, Jim (Genevee) Nelson of Oslo and Steve (Kelly) Nelson of Grand Forks; 7 grandchildren, Brian (Katie) Nelson, David (Jennifer) Nelson, Michelle (Christopher) Spicer, Laura (Cody) Kallock, Annika (Mitchell Anderson) Strand, Elli Strand, and Grace Nelson; 12 great-grandchildren, Adilyn, Ava, Anders, Annalise, Julia, Dawson, Jaxon, Gavin, Olivia, Ada, Ella, and Nelson; siblings, Yvonne Olson, Russell (Becky) Olson, Verdell (Sandy) Olson, and Lynn Olson; sisters-in-law, Jody Olson and Marilyn Olson; and numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; parents, Ralph & Verol; brothers, Kendell, Gary, Douglas, and Dale; sister-in law, Lolly Olson; brother-in-law, Donald Nelson; and brother & sisters-in-law, Russ & InaMae Johnson and Paul & Mary Swenson.

Thank you to Dr. Panico & staff at Altru Cancer Center and the doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists at Altru Hospital for the compassionate and excellent care she received.

Memorials preferred to Oak Park Cemetery or Riverside Cemetery in Oslo.

All who knew and loved her are invited to attend and celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman: MEMORIAL SERVICE is 11:00 AM on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church, 405 3rd Ave E, Oslo, MN with VISITATION 1 hour prior.

Inurnment at Riverside Cemetery in Oslo to follow.