Lola Nelson

Lola Jane (Wiberg) Nelson, age 92 of Vasa, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, May 8, 2018 at The Gardens at Cannon Falls. She was born July 1, 1925, the daughter of Christ and Dencie (Campbell) Wiberg on a rural farm outside of Cannon Falls. Lola shared fond memories of her father's dairy farm and riding with him on milk deliveries as a little girl.

The family moved to Red Wing where Lola attended and graduated from Red Wing High School in 1943.  After school she worked a variety of jobs: at Smeads in Hastings, the Red Wing Shoe Company, and the Red Wing Pottery. She loved hand painting plates at the pottery. This passion carried over into many of her early hobbies.  Later years she was employed at the A & W restaurant and the Seminary Home in Red Wing. For many years she enjoyed visiting with neighbors as an Avon representative.

In 1955, Lola was wed to Merle Nelson in Mason City, Iowa. They made their life together on a small farm outside of Vasa. Lola was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her kitchen always smelled of fresh baked bread and goodies. Lola is a member of the Vasa Lutheran Church and was involved in activities for many years. She served as a Cub Scout and Brownie leader.  Lola was a feisty red-head who loved to take family members to task in a spirited game of Scrabble. She especially enjoyed her time with her grandchildren. Later years, as her health failed, she spent time with her daughter and family in Ottertail, Minnesota.

Lola is survived by her son, Michael (Pamela) Nelson of Eden Prairie and daughter, Cindy (Keith) Ross of Ottertail; grandchildren, Christopher (Laurie) Nelson of  Plymouth, Angie (Mike) Schreader of Perham, Candice Nelson of Eagan, and Jacob (Jill) Christopherson of Abercrombie, ND; eight great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Grace Nelson of Cannon Falls and Norma Wiberg of Mission, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Christ and Dencie; husband, Merle; brothers, Arnold, Floyd, and Lawrence Wiberg.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 14 from 5-7 p.m. at Lundberg Funeral Home in Cannon Falls. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 15 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10-11 a.m., at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church, 7459 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 2:05 p.m. at Assembly Area #1.

Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Christopherson, Christopher Nelson, Davy Gardiner, Duane Wiberg, Jay Wiberg, and Roger Nelson.