Nettie V. Nelson, age 91 of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Washburn, ND, died Monday, December 19, 2005 at a Bismarck nursing home.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Friday, December 23, 2005
Birka Lutheran Church - rural Washburn, ND
Rev. Dan Maurer, Officiating
Interment: Birka Lutheran Cemetery
Visitation: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Thursday at Goetz Funeral Home - Washburn
Friday, 1 hour prior to time of service at the church

Madeline Nettie Viola Nelson was born February 23, 1914 west of Washburn, ND the daughter to John & Hannah (Luthander) Barlow. She was raised on her parents farm and attended rural school west of Washburn. She graduated from Underwood High School in 1931. As a young woman, Nettie worked as a domestic for area farmers and their families. She married Evert Nelson on October 1, 1938 at Underwood. The couple made their home west of Falkirk, ND on what is now known as the Roger Peterson farm. They retired from the farm and moved into Washburn in 1981. She and her husband Evert enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling together, spending time in 48 out of the 50 U.S. states. Evert passed away in May 1991. Nettie continued to make her home in Washburn until 2002 when she moved to Bismarck. She enjoyed the outdoors and maintained a large garden that included many flowers. Nettie was known as the "rose lady" throughout the community for her talent of raising beautiful roses. She was a life-time member of the Birka Lutheran Church, and in 1914 was the first infant baptized at the church. Nettie was active with the Birka Lutheran Ladies Aid (W.E.L.C.A.) and served as Treasurer for many years. She was a member of the Lewis & Clark Senior Center in Washburn and enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, playing cards, and visiting with friends.

She is survived by her Daughter, Edna (Staudt) Franklund and husband Paul of Farmers Branch, TX; Grandchildren: Noretta Isaacs and daughter Brittany White, Laura (Don) Gossel and son Bryan, all of North Pole, Alaska; Evert (Kalynda) Franklund and daughter Kellye & son Evan, Karl (Sharon) Franklund and daughters Kayla & Katelynn of Flower Mound, TX; 1 Daughter-in-Law: Joyce Staudt of Decatur, AL.

Nettie was preceded in death by her Parents (John & Hannah Barlow), Husband (Evert Nelson), 3 Sons (Arlin Nelson (infant), Harlan Nelson, & John Staudt), and 1 Sister (Dorothy Davis).