Bev Hartung's sister dies

Patricia (Hartung) Nelson, 55
Patricia Kay Nelson, 55, Willmar, died July 30, 2010 at her home.

Patricia was born March 10, 1955 in Alexandria to Albin C. and Evelyn H. (Schwandt) Hartung. She grew up in Alexandria and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1973. 

Following her graduation, she attended Anoka Technical College, where she received her associate degree to become an occupational therapy assistant. On June 23, 1979, Patricia was united in marriage to John Alan Nelson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. To this union two children were born, Kierre Marie and John Ryan. 

Following their marriage they lived in Cold Spring, Minn., Washington, D.C., Houston and Dallas, Texas, prior to moving to Willmar in 1993. Pat worked as an activities assistant at Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home for the past 5-1/2 years and also part-time as a sales associate at Herberger’s. 

Pat was a daughter, sister, mother, wife, aunt, godmother, co-worker and friend, but above all she was a fighter. She fought a 12-year courageous battle with cancer with dignity and without complaint. She always showed unconditional love and patience for those around her. 

She spent numerous hours in her vegetable garden growing cucumbers and tomatoes, her favorite foods. She loved to read, watch Disney movies, and enjoyed the magic of fairy tales. One of her many passions was providing creative activities for the residents of Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home. She was a miraculous lady who lived every day to the fullest. She will be dearly missed. 

Pat is survived by her husband, John, of Willmar; daughter, Dr. Kierre Nelson and her husband, Jonathan Hedberg, of Madison, Wis.; son, John Ryan of Willmar; her parents, Albin and Evelyn Hartung of Alexandria; sisters, Bev (Richard) Linnes of Mankato, Donna Affeldt (and Clifford Zins) of Alexandria, Mari (William) Leuthner of Alexandria; mother-in-law, Joan Nelson of Willmar; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and her father-in-law, Leroy T. Nelson. 

Her funeral service was held August 2 at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Arrangements were with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home of Willmar.

(Obituary supplied by John Herdan)