Marian Janette Nelson

Marian J. Nelson age 94, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at LifeCare Greenbush Manor.  A Memorial Service will be held at Bethel Stafford Church, rural Roseau, MN on Monday, March 16 at 11 AM. Visitation will be one hour prior at the church.

Marian Janette Nelson, 94, went to be with Jesus on March 2, 2026.  She was born on June 26, 1931 to David and Lillian Erickson on the farm in Falun Township.  She graduated from Roseau High school in 1949 and continued her education graduating from Bemidji State Teachers College in 1953 with a degree in Physical Education.  She married Lee Johnson in 1953 and raised five children together.  Marian taught PhyEd for 32 years.  She realized the need for more girls to participate in sports and she started and coached the Bemidji High school varsity girls tennis team in 1974.  She also coached track and field.

Marian married Erwin Nelson of Roseau in 1985.  She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and served on the church council.  She was the Stafford township treasurer for many years.  Marian loved spending time with her family, friends, and four legged companions.  She especially cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was known to “fondly” brag about them a few times!  She loved reading, journaling, cross word puzzles, bowling, golf, mowing and tennis.  Since 1961 she rarely missed a Twins game and enjoyed watching the Vikings and other sports teams.  Marian was known for her kindness, optimism, quiet strength and intellect.

Marian is survived by her children Jody(Fred)Smith, Jack Johnson, Jane (Joel)Tradup, Joan(Desi)Sagedahl, Jolene Anderson; stepdaughters Sandra(Paul)Torgerson, Lisa(Eric)Nelson; 17 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and friends.                                                                     

 Preceded in death by her spouse, grandsons Kyle Sagedahl and Josh Anderson, stepdaughter Jessica Novacek, brother Arne Erickson and sister-in-law Luella Erickson, former sister-in-law Nancy Rakke and brother-in-law Ellwin Rakke, sister-in-law Christine Carlson and brother-in-law Earl Carlson.

Private interment at Falun Cemetery at a later date.

A special thank you to the staff at Oakcrest Home, Greenbush Manor, and LifeCare Hospice.

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