Lois Nelson

Lois Nelson passed away the evening of March 27th after being at St John's Lutheran home for 37 years. Staff, family and her friend Carolyn Lansing were by her side. Lois Ruth Quamme was born in Bismarck, North Dakota on May 13, 1937 to Milton and Grace Quamme. She was the youngest of 5 children, her brothers Milton and Richard and Sisters Helen and Jean. She graduated from Bismarck High School and went on to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota on a music scholarship. She had not only an outstanding voice that was pitch perfect but also a love for music especially church music. Lois's favorite hymns are Beautiful Savior, Beneath the Cross of Jesus, Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. While attending college she met the love her life Fred Nelson. Fred and Lois had 3 children; Kari, Kurt and Kent. They lived in Grand Forks and the Twin Cities before moving to Billings, Montana where Fred was employed for many years with Hart Albin. Lois was very active at Peace Lutheran Church where she not only sang in the choir, but also directed the youth choir. She also enjoyed teaching synchronized swimming at the YMCA. Lois's first and foremost love has always been her family. She lived her life wanting her children to have a deep faith and a special love for the Lord. In this endeavor she was very successful. Lois became pregnant with her fourth child and it was during the pregnancy that she developed eclampsia. She had a massive brain hemorrhage, lost the baby and became physically and mentally impaired. Fred cared for her at home for 7 years before having to move her into St. John's Nursing Home. She has been there until her death. The staff at St John's has been her very special family for many years. Lois is preceded in death by her mother and father, and her brothers Milton and Richard. She is survived by her former husband Fred (Doryne); her daughter Kari Anspach (Bill), granddaughter Jessica McEliece (Ryan) and grandson Barret (Seth); her sons Kurt Nelson (Bill) and Kent Nelson; her sister Helen Gunville and her children Paul (Patti), Judi Brinton (Tom), Fred (Laurie), Gary (Tim) and Mary Jo Gunville; sister Jeanne Tennefos and her children Dan (Joan), David (Vicki), Judie VandeVoort, and Mary Shoji (Dave); Sister-in-law Marilyn Quamme and children Stephen (Kathy), Lisa Safer (Duane), Richie (Tracy ), and Andrea Austin. She also leaves behind her loving and best friend Carolyn Lansing. She has been cared for by the loving staff at St John's and they are her family also. She had so many special nurses that she loved so much and who loved her. The family has deep love and appreciation for all the staff that cared for her. God Bless you all. On Friday, April 4th there will be a private viewing and burial for the family members. On Saturday, April 5th there will be a celebration of her life at St. Johns Chapel at 10 a.m. All staff, family and friends are encouraged and invited to attend. Memorials may be made to Saint John's Lutheran Ministries. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com