Eunice Rees Nelson

Eunice Rees Nelson, died on her 95th birthday January 1, 2021 at Essentia St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd.  She was born in Syracuse, New York on January 1, 1926.

Eunice is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Curt; her son, Vernon (Janice) Nelson of Lino Lakes; five grandchildren, Jennifer Nelson of St. Paul, Nicole Nelson of Lino Lakes, Curtis Nelson of Lino Lakes, Kelly McMire and Holly Nelson both of Kennewick, Washington; two great grandchildren, Kaela Nelson and Jayden Taylor of Kennewick, WA.

Preceding Eunice in death are two sons, Scott in 2010 and Leslie in 2018; and her parents, Louis and Norma Rees.

In 1927 her parents moved to St. Paul, MN where her father was employed as a professor in Forestry at the University of Minnesota.  She grew up in St. Paul and graduated from high school in 1944.  In December of 1947, she was united in marriage to Curtis Nelson of Itasca State Park, Minnesota.  Eunice was attending college course on Home Economics at the University of Minnesota at the time but elected to drop out after three years in the course.  In 1950, Curt graduated in Electrical Engineering at the University of Minnesota and obtain a job in Storm Lake, Iowa, which later led to a move to Sheldon, Iowa, where their first son, Leslie was born in 1951.  In 1953, Scott was born and in 1957, Vernon arrived, both in Minneapolis.  Several moves and job changes for Curt occurred in 1951, a move to Sioux City, Iowa, then to Alexandria, Minnesota, followed in 1952 with a move to St. Paul for a permanent location.  Eunice became interested in sewing at very young age and over the years made dresses and blouses for herself and many pieces of clothing for her family and for dolls. She became very proficient with many types of materials and made curtains, quilts, as well as fitted covers for camping equipment.  In 1954, the family moved into their first house in Roseville, Minnesota.  Eunice held several part time jobs in the twin cities area after their children were of school age and later was employed full time in retail trade.  She also became interested in Scandinavian artifacts and decorated her homes with colorful Swedish and Norwegian decorative items.  In 1980, Eunice and Curt moved to Apple Valley, Minnesota followed by a final move in 1993 to rural Deerwood, Minnesota, where Eunice lived until she was moved in 2019 to Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Brainerd due to numerous medical issues. 

A private family service will be held due to Covid.  She will be interred at the Bay Lake Township Cemetery.  Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.