Della I. Nelson

Della I. Nelson, 93, of Merrill, passed away Friday, February 2, 2018, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill, under the care of her family, the nursing home staff and Ascension/Ministry Home Care Hospice Services. Della was born June 12, 1924, in Irma, daughter of the late Hugo and Clara (Samuelson) Johnson. She married Harry W. Nelson on May 10, 1952, in Irma. He preceded her in death on March 8, 2008. Della attended the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Moline, Illinois, and graduated in 1946. She began her career as a Registered Nurse in Chicago. During her time in Illinois, Della developed a life-long love for the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball organization. She eventually moved to Merrill and furthered her nursing career by working at the former Holy Cross Hospital. She retired from Holy Cross Hospital in 1979. Della was a very devoted member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. She was involved in several areas of the church including bible study, the quilters, the choir and assisting with the Lutefisk suppers. Della was also a member of the Sweet Adelines Chorus and the Lioness Club. She enjoyed playing pinochle and cribbage, working on word search puzzles, and keeping a scorebook during Chicago Cubs games. Della also enjoyed traveling and had visited Branson, Missouri at least six times. Survivors include her daughter, Jan (Dana) Gaston of Eagle, Idaho; three grandsons, Mychal Gaston of Boise, Idaho, Daniel (Jade) Kogel of Boise, Idaho and Andrew (Tina) Kogel of Lincoln City, Oregon; two great-grandchildren, Emery and Paul Kogel; and one brother, Clifton Johnson of Brainerd, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Nelson; parents, Hugo and Clara Johnson; and siblings, Lennard Johnson and Alice Marschall. The funeral service for Della will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Patricia Schutz will officiate. Entombment will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home and after 9:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. The family suggests memorials be directed to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill.