Irene Nelson, 88

Irene L. Nelson, 88 of Wauseon Ohio passed away on March 23, 2013 in Toledo. The daughter of Harold and Christa (Boyer) Kopp, she was born in her grandparent’s home in Iona Township, Todd County, Minnesota on May 27 1924. She was a graduate of Clarissa Mn. High School in 1943. Irene married Dwight W. Nelson on June 12 1946. She attended the Staples Mn. teaching school and taught at the Freeman Creek School, a country one-room schoolhouse. She had two sons, Brian and Kevin. They lived in Clarissa until 1956, when the family moved to Toledo where Dwight was a postal inspector. She was a kindergarten teacher for several years at Hiawatha Elementary School when it first opened in the fall of 1959. Later she was an assistant librarian at Washington Jr. High School. After several moves and Dwight’s retirement from the Post Office in 1978, they moved to Wauseon to spend their retirement. They became acquainted with the community and had many friends there. They were active socially and attended many retirement reunions. They also traveled many times.

Irene was an accomplished wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, especially for her weekly family night, sewing, gardening, and caring for the family. She and Dwight were active bowlers in the 80’s. She served on numerous local committees: Wauseon Women’s Club, American Legion Auxiliary Past President. Irene was a very active member of the Christ United Methodist Church in Wauseon. A member for 35 years, she spent countless hours helping in the church office, preparing meals, and supporting church functions.

She was preceded in death by her husband and partner for 55 years, Dwight in 2001, her brother Joyce in 2010 and her parents. She is survived by her sons Brian and Kevin (Debbie) Nelson; Grand children Christopher (Ardimetia) Nelson, Jennifer (Anthony) Imber; Great grandchildren Adriel Nelson, Hunter Imber and Hayden Imber.

Friends may visit the family on Wednesday from 1- 4:30 and 6-9 pm at the Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home 219 S. Fulton St. Wauseon. Funeral services will be held at Christ United Methodist Church on N. Fulton St. on Thursday at 11:00. Interment will follow at Wauseon Union Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be given to Christ United Methodist Church.