Anna L. Nelson, 89, Blooming Prairie
Anna L. Nelson, age 89 of Blooming Prairie, died Monday afternoon, Jan. 19, 2015, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie. Anna Lucille Heatherton was born Nov. 22, 1925, in West Des Moines, Iowa, to William R. and Margaret (Daniels) Heatherton. Anna’s mother died when Anna was very young, so she was raised by Mr. and Mrs. John Kelly Sr. On Jan. 16, 1945, she was united in marriage to Vernon Nelson in Decorah, Iowa, where the couple made their home before moving to Rochester. Anna worked as a waitress at Kahler Coffee Shop in Rochester and then was hired by Methodist Hospital, where she worked with adolescent patients and later in orthopedics. Vernon died in January 1994. Following her retirement, Anna moved to Blooming Prairie, where she became a member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church. She enjoyed the companionship of her cats, going dancing and spending time with her family and friends.
Anna is survived by her children Marcia (Keith) Burfeind of Kimball, Minnesota, and Mike (Patti) Nelson of Albert Lea; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Margaret Heatherton; Mr. and Mrs. John Kelly Sr.; her husband, Vernon Nelson; her daughters, Marleen Nelson and Mary Beckrich; and several brothers and sisters.
Memorial services are being planned for March 2015 at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie, with the Rev. Steve Peterson officiating. Service times will be announced at a later date. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville, Minnesota. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In accordance with Anna’s wishes, her body will be donated to the Mayo Anatomical Bequest Program. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.