In Loving Memory of Margaret Kehren Nelson
Margaret Kehren Nelson, age 100, of Red Wing, MN, formerly of Bay City, WI, peacefully passed away at Benedictine Care Center in Red Wing on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Margaret’s life, marked by love, resilience, and generosity, left an enduring impact on those fortunate enough to know her.
Born into the world on Nov. 1, 1923, to Karl and Margaret (Mohr) Kehren, Margaret married her first husband, Frederick, on April 27, 1944. Though their time together was tragically brief, it blessed them with the joy of their son David. Later, Margaret found lasting love again when she married Harlan Nelson on July 17, 1948, at Little Brown Church in Iowa. This union flourished, bringing 8 children into their lives: Dennis, DuWayne, Karen, Kay, Ann, Carla, Lisa and Jeri.
Margaret took pride in her work, dedicating over 20 years to the Red Wing Shoe Company and contributing her skills to the Red Wing Pottery Company. Her love for life was evident in her fondness for flowers, casinos, dancing, and her iconic Red Wing shoes. Margaret’s love for children, especially babies, shone through in her warm and nurturing presence. A deeply caring person, she opened her heart to all who needed help or care, treating neighborhood children as if they were her own.
Margaret’s passions extended beyond the home; she had a soft spot for birds, was an exceptional cook, an extraordinarily generous person, and a devoted caregiver. Her legacy is one of love, compassion, and the joy she found in the simple pleasures of life.
She is survived by her children: David (Pat) Stark, Dennis (Betty) Nelson, Karen (Jim) Brickner, Kay (Russell) Towers, Ann Grant (Doug Anderson), Carla Nelson (Tony Kinneman), and Jeri Nelson; 30 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchildren; as well as her siblings: Alice Sprick, Jean Halling, and Lottie Kehren. Margaret is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.
Margaret was preceded in death by her first husband Frederick Stark, second husband Harlan Nelson, and children DuWayne Nelson and Lisa Nelson, grandchildren Jacob Herbert and Lydia Rohl; parents: siblings: Charlie Kehren, Hazel Hendel, William Kehren, Victor Kehren, Rudolph Kehren, Frances Kline, Marian Schafer, Fritz Kehren, and Reno Kehren.
A Funeral service in honor of Margaret’s remarkable life will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Bethel Covenant Church: W8405 County Road KK, Ellsworth, WI. A visitation will precede the service, starting at 12 p.m.
Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For additional information, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or contact 715-273-4421.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bethel Covenant Church in Margaret’s honor, reflecting her commitment to kindness and caring for others.
As we gather to celebrate Margaret’s century of life, let us remember her with love, gratitude, and the enduring spirit she shared with all who were blessed to know her.
