Vonnie Nelson

Vonnie A. Nelson, age 82, of New London, passed away Thursday morning, April 5, at Rice Therapy Suites in Willmar.


A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 12, at Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer. Interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.


Yvonne "Vonnie" Ann Nelson was born on July 24, 1935, in Willmar, Minnesota, the daughter of Earl and Julia (Hintz) Peterson. She grew up in the Willmar community and graduated from Willmar High School in 1953. On April 23, 1955, Vonnie was united in marriage to Roy A. Nelson and made their home in Willmar where they raised their 3 boys. Vonnie and Roy owned and operated Hogan's Childrens World in downtown Willmar. Before retirement, Vonnie was employed at Erickson's Furniture in Willmar and Vegdahl's Hardware Store in Spicer. In 1985, they moved to Green Lake in Spicer and later into New London. In June of 2013, Vonnie entered assisted living in Atwater. She was a member of Hope Presbyterian Church and was a believer and supporter of Billy Graham. Vonnie's hobbies included bowling, swimming and watching Minnesota sports teams, especially the MN Twins. She enjoyed being with her family at the cabin on Green Lake and taking care of her children and grandchildren. Vonnie was a beautiful woman with a kind, caring and compassionate heart for others that will be greatly missed.


She is survived by two sons, Barry Nelson of Minneapolis and Brian (and Lisa Nelson) of Spicer; two grandchildren, Paxton and Quinn Nelson; and one sister, Sharon Howell of Cambridge, besides other relatives and friends.


She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy in 2009 and one son, Kent in 1979.

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