Constance �Connie� Nelson

Constance "Connie" Nelson, 79, of Viroqua died Thursday, March 21, 2013 Connie Nelson, 79, of Viroqua went home to be with her Lord Thursday, March 21, 2013. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born April 30, 1933 to Kenneth and Ellen (Smith) Olson. She was united in marriage to Gerhardt Nelson on March 4, 1950. Gerhardt and Connie farmed in the Franklin Township for their married life. Connie was a lifelong member of the North West Prairie Church. Along with participating in her circle and bible study, she was president of ladies aid for 9 years and held various offices at church. She spent her life caring for her siblings, her family, and devoted 35 years to caring for the elderly at Vernon Manor. Connie will always be remembered for her commitment and dedication to family, her appreciation of life, her goodness and service to others and her joy of living. Although she faced assorted challenges in the latter years of her life, her love for family, her faith and devotion to God, and kindness to her friends always remained firm. Wherever she traveled, she was remembered and appreciated for her sincerity. She had a great passion for people less fortunate in life and forever remained strong in her commitment and faith to God. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She taught us lessons of love, compassion and faith. Connie always had stories to share and a song in her heart. Connie is survived by her two daughters, Nora (Mike) Soltau of Viroqua, Elaine (Tony) Skolos of Viroqua, and one son Steven (Karen) Nelson of La Crosse; 8 grandchildren, Nicole (Ralph) Hendrickson, Troy (Debra) Soltau, Krista (Chris) Underwood, Mark Skolos(Bridget), Kimberly (Randy) Beach, Michelle Skolos, Christopher Nelson and Matthew Nelson; great-grandchildren Kathryn Swenson, Tahmara Hendrickson, Austin, Zach and Lexi Underwood, Ryan Johnson, Max and Alex Nelson, Rebekka Fish and Trysten Fish; brothers David Olson, Gary Sagmoen; sisters Marilyn Dickenson, Kathleen (Don) Williams and sister-in-laws Lenora Nedland and Norma (Chet) Francis. She was preceded in death by her husband Gerhardt Nelson on July 21, 1996; Brothers Kenneth Olson and Lawrence Olson; Sisters Sharon Anderson and Sandra Olson; and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Connies family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Deline for years of caring and the La Farge Medical Clinic, Lake View Health Center and Vernon Manor for their excellent care and concern. Her family would also like to thank Gundersen Lutheran Hospice for their excellent care for Connie and family in the final journey of her life. Celebration of life services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at North West Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Jim Foltz will officiate with burial to follow in North West Prairie Church Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. with a prayer service to begin at 6 p.m. on Monday at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (hwy 56), in Viroqua. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.