Florence Vivian (Johnson) Nelson was born September 3, 1921 to Victor and Blenda Johnson in Melby, Minnesota. She was raised in Melby where the Johnson Brothers, Victor and Ben owned and ran The Johnson Brother’s Store. Florence attended Melby Grade School, Ashby School and graduated from Evansville High School in 1939.
She met the love of her life, Wilbur, during high school. He played basketball and baseball and she was a cheerleader. One of the cheers went like this: Lutefisk, lefse, pulsa, cream, Evansville High School basketball team! After graduation Florence attended Com-ptometer School in South St. Paul, Minnesota.
Florence married her high school sweetheart, Wilbur June 6, 1942. Son, Scott Jeffrey (deceased) was born March 29, 1946 at St Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. When Scott was 6 months old the family returned to Melby and bought Johnson Brother’s Store. Daughter, Deborah Kay was born July 25, 1951 in Alexandria.
In 1955 they moved to Evansville and bought The Schwantz Store, renaming it Nelson’s Store. Florence helped Wilbur in the store and in 1987 they sold it to son, Scotty and his wife, Ginny. Both Wilbur and Florence were still working at the store, but took many trips around the world including, Russia, England, Sweden, Norway, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii to name a few. Wilbur passed away in 2015 and Florence continued to come down to the store.
Florence was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Faith Women, Faith Choir, Progressive Garden Club and Evansville Community Club.
She enjoyed attending the many activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The youngest of her great-grandchildren called her “Big Grandma”. She was a Christian woman with a great sense of humor and an avid Minnesota Twins fan. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Friday, March 20, 2020 Florence passed away at Evansville Care Center in Evansville, Minnesota at the age of 98 years.
Florence is survived by daughter, Deb (David) Clark of Rockford, Michigan; daughter-in-law, Ginny Nelson of Evansville; sister, Audrey Johnson of Evansville; brother, Donald Johnson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Jody (Jason) Dahlen, Aaron, Halle and Kellen; Jeff (Autumn) Nelson, Reegan, Rowan and Ria; Lee (Amy) Nelson, Avery and Lucas; and Mackenzie Clark; by numerous relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Blenda Johnson; husband, Wilbur; son, Scotty; brothers Vincent and Buddy; sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Donald) and Phyllis (Buddy); and brother-in-law, Lester.
Graveside Service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Mound Grove Cemetery in Evansville with Pastor Marcus Kunz presiding.
Glende-Nilson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Evansville was in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made online at www.GlendeNils on.com.