Geraldine Gerrie Nelson, 76 of rural Goodridge, MN died on Sunday, January 02, 2011 surrounded by her family at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Bob Dahlen officiating. Burial will take place in the Spring at Telemarken Cemetery, rural Goodridge, MN.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:00 PM prayer service on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM at the funeral home on Thursday.

Geraldine Lavina Crisman was born on August 4, 1934 in Duluth, MN the daughter of Bernard Frank Crisman and Lavina Elizabeth Lamb Crisman. Gerrie grew up in South Minneapolis and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith there. In her early childhood, Gerries parents worked in the carnival and brought her along part of the time. As she grew older, she resided with her Grandmother, Violet Messig. Gerrie attended grade school and high school in Minneapolis and later specialized in sewing at a vocational school. While going to school, Gerrie worked at Munsingwear Manufacuring as a seamstress and at a local drugstore.

In 1958 Gerrie met and fell in love with Kenneth Nelson. On March 21, 1959, Gerrie and Kenneth were united in marriage in Mason City, Iowa. They returned to the Minneapolis area and made their home in Fridley in 1959 where they resided and raised their family of four children until 1974. Gerrie and Kenneth moved to Northwestern Minnesota in 1974 after purchasing a farm in Highlanding Township. Gerrie kept busy raising her family, farming, and also worked as a cook at the Goodridge School. She worked there until her retirement in 1995.

Prior to Gerries illnesses, she was very active in the ladies aid group, quilting group and homemakers group at Ekelund Church where she was still a member. Throughout her life, Gerrie enjoyed gardening, crocheting, sewing, cooking, and baking for her family. Gerrie loved bird watching and traveling with her family. One of her favorite pastimes was seeking out a great deal at rummage sales. She specialized in repairing old dolls and bringing them back to life, a trade she learned as a child. After retirement, Gerrie loved spending time with her Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Kenneth of Goodridge, MN; children, Karen Langseth of Thief River Falls, MN, Brenda (Scott) Molstad of Thief River Falls, MN and Brian Nelson of Newfolden, MN; grandchildren, Jason Langseth of rural Goodridge, MN, Amy Langseth of Red Lake Falls, MN, Joey Langseth of McIntosh, MN, Melissa Nelson of Thief River Falls, MN, Richard Nelson of Holt, MN, Crystal Nelson of Bernalillo, New Mexico, Brandon and Matthew Molstad of Thief River Falls, MN, Brittany Pearson of New Hope, MN, Christopher Nelson of Newfolden, MN; great-grandchildren, Katie Houle, Sydney Langseth, Parker Nelson, Arianna Carlson, Victoria Nelson, Austin Langseth, and Amya Briggs; brother Dwight (Erica) Crisman of Chaska, MN; aunt, Lorraine Knickerbocher of Richfield, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Randolph; her parents and one brother, Gene Crisman,

Casketbearers: Roger Hoffman, Rodney Hoffman, Jim Dahlen, Dennis McGeary, Doug Horachek, Ronnie Kotrba, and Anthony Kassa
Honorary Casketbearers: All of Gerries Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren