Thordyce E. Nelson, age 72 of Washburn, ND went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 20, 2006. She passed away at a Bismarck hospital following a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial Service: 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 23, 2006;
Washburn United Methodist Church;
Rev. Chet Cataldo, Officiating;

Thordyce was born October 10, 1933 at Hunter, ND the daughter to Bert & Freida (Thompson) Van Zee. She attended school in Hunter, ND and graduated from Hunter High School. Thordyce continued her education at the Interstate Business College in Fargo at which time she met her future husband, Morris E. Nelson. They were united in marriage on May 23, 1954 at Hunter, ND. They made their home in Washburn, ND where they raised five children. Thordyce was an active member of the Washburn United Methodist Church, participating with the U.M.W., singing in the church choir, and teaching Sunday School for many years. She was a long standing member of the Order of the Eastern Star - Washburn Chapter, where she held all offices including serving as Past Worthy Matron. In her earlier years, she was a 4-H leader and a member of the Twilight Homemakers Club. She and her husband, Morris, enjoyed dancing and were members of the Wilton Square Dance Club for many years. Thordyce enjoyed traveling with her family, and took part in many family vacations with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She spent many years working along side her husband in their lumber and marine business. Following retirement, she and Morris traveled with Schoeppner Shows Carnival for 8 years and operated food concession wagons. Until the time of her death, they continued with concession sales and were well-known for their delicious mini-donuts. She enjoyed time spent with 4 generations of family selling their tasty treats. Thordyce will be remembered for her love of family, and the close bond she had with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Morris E. Nelson of Washburn, ND;
4 daughters, Kim (Bob) Erlandson of Bismarck, ND, Val (Dwight) Hetletved of Washburn, ND, Donna Nelson of Washburn, ND, & Lonna Nelson of Washburn, ND;
1 son, Randy (Rhonda) Nelson of Bismarck, ND; 6 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren,
1 great granddaughter, & 5 step-great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Jennette Specht of Greeley, CO,
Dorothy Haugen of Mayville, ND, Donna Nash of Littleton, CO;
1 brother, Chet (Jean) Van Zee of Hillsboro, ND; & many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother, 1 sister, and 2 grandchildren.