Marna E. Nelson, 89

Marna Elizabeth Nelson, 89, of Austin died Monday, July 14, 2008 at her home in Austin.

She was born Sept. 19, 1918 in Mentor, Minn., to Elmer and Hazel (Neilson) McFarland. The McFarland’s moved to Austin where Marna graduated from Austin High School. She was married to Arthur E. Nelson on Aug. 27, 1938 at the First United Methodist Church in Austin. They resided in the Austin area where she was a member of the First United Methodist Church, active with the UMW and served at the chairman of the kitchen committee for many years. Marna had also served as the president of the Cedar City Cemetery Board.

Marna was a wonderful cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. She also liked to play cards, bowl and travel with her friends.

Marna is survived by her daughter, Ellen (Roger) Hanson, Elysian, Minn.; daughter-in-law, Sharan Nelson, Cape Coral, Fla.; grandchildren, Schannan (Tamie) Nelson, Rose Creek, Minn., Shelley (Marty) Tebay, Austin, Shay (Michelle) Nelson, Albert Lea, Minn., Bradley (JoAnn) Hanson, Waseca, Minn., Brett (Deborah) Hanson, Alta, Iowa, Brian (Amy) Hanson, Wamego, Kan.; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Norma Smeby, Austin; brother Keith (Mary Ellen) McFarland, Roseville, Minn.; sister, Joan (Stan) Stanek, Austin; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur E. Nelson and son, Denis Mac Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 18, 2008 at First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Patricia Toschak officiating. A family interment service will be at the Cedar City Cemetery near Austin. Visitation will be at First United Methodist Church on Friday for one hour before the service. The family prefers memorials to the American Lung Assoc., First United Methodist Church kitchen committee or the Cedar City Cemetery Association. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. The organist will be Becky Bissen, with soloist will be Anthony Hooper.

Honorary Bearers will be Schannan Nelson, Shelley (Nelson) Tebay, Shay Nelson, Bradley Hanson, Brett Hanson, Brian Hanson.