Florence Olive Nelson

Florence Olive Nelson, 96, a longtime resident of Leland, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 28, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Thompson, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Bethany Lutheran Church on Friday. Burial will take place in Rose Hill Cemetery, Thompson. Memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, Thompson, or Rose Hill Cemetery, c/o Thompson City Hall. Schott Funeral Homes-Mittelstadt Chapel, Lake Mills, is caring for Florence and her family.
Florence Olive (Torkelson) Nelson was born Feb. 6, 1929 on her grandparents Abraham and Margit Oppedahl’s farm west of Vinje. She was the oldest of seven children born to Wallace and Ida (Oppedahl) Torkelson.
She attended country school and graduated from Forest City High School in 1948. Florence worked in Forest City at the grocery store, the bakery, and telephone office.
Florence was married to Leonard Nelson on Nov. 24, 1950 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Forest City. The couple moved into his parents’ home in rural Leland, and in 1951, they built a small home on the same family farm. To this union three children were born: Steven, Gary and Lori.
Florence remained living on the same farm for 71 years. She loved helping with chores as a farm wife, and she adored being a mother and grandmother.
In 1962, she began working for the United States Post Office, continuing for 25 years as a part-time flexible clerk, working in many local offices.
She also volunteered at Bethany Lutheran Church, and was a member of the Leland Women’s Study Club for many years, serving as county chairman and president twice. Florence was active in the Democratic Party and was secretary of the National Farmers’ Organization.
In retirement years, Florence and Leonard enjoyed dancing and traveling in their travel trailer to Texas, Montana and Alaska. Together, they enjoyed 14 winters in McAllen, Texas. She loved cooking and baking, making countless Kringla, lefse, and lots of pies. Florence was also an avid quilter for both the church and for her family. Each of her grandchildren received a quilt when they graduated from high school.
Florence’s legacy of love, dedication and service will be cherished by her family. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her creativity, and her generous spirit.
She is survived by her children: Steve (Kathy) Nelson, Lake Mills; Gary (Kim) Nelson, Lake Mills; and Lori (David) Brekken, Siren, Wis.; nine grandchildren: Tony (Stacy) Nelson, Derek (Amanda) Nelson, Molly (Luke) Andrusyk, Lisa (Alex) Kubik, Taylor (Sarah) Nelson, Jason (Abbie) Brekken, Grant (Shannon) Brekken, Peter (Brittany) Brekken and Jacob (McKenzie) Brekken; and 22 great-grandchildren: Brynn, Brooklyn and Becca Nelson, Tyler Lynde, Jaylyn and Cy Brewer, Tate, Nora and Hallie Nelson, Landon and Lake Andrusyk, Kennedy and Kaycen Kubik, Liv and Hallie Brekken, Madison Brekken, Ruby and Brooks Brekken, Gavin and Silas Brekken and Baby Boy Nelson arriving in May of 2025. She is also survived by a sister, Beverly (Norman) Erickson, Seeley Lake, Mont.; brother, Richard Torkelson, Forest City; and many nephews, a niece and friends.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard in 2009; in-laws, Peter and Johanna Nelson; daughter-in-law, Julia Nelson; a great-granddaughter, Emma Kate Brekken; three brothers: Larry Torkelson, Leroy Torkelson, and Don Torkelson; and a sister, Darlene Tweeten.