Pat Nelson

Pat Eldora Gjerstad, the daughter of Nels Anton and Anna (Carlson) Gjerstad on January 19, 1924 at Bertha, MN. She was raised in Eagle Bend, MN, and was baptized and confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church in Eagle Bend. On August 24, 1942, Pat was united in marriage to Lester Nelson in Waycross, GA. The made their home in St. James, MN, where Pat was a machinist for 34 years at Sherr-Tumico before retiring in 1987. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed baking pies, gardening, playing cards, camping, snowmobiling, water skiing and traveling. Picking blueberries, dancing and playing the accordion were also favorite pastimes. Pat was united in marriage to Arnold Bishop on June 16, 1962. Pat died on Friday evening, March 18, 2005, at the Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato, MN. Pat is survived by 2 sons, Roger Nelson (Mary) of Britt, MN, and Jeff Nelson (Mary) of St. James; 2 daughters, Phyllis Elness (Richard) of Windom, MN, and Shiloy Schmidt (Joe) of St. James; 22 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Don Gjerstad (Marilyn) of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Duane Gjerstad (Bev) of Glendale, AZ; 2 sisters-in-law, Arlien Gjerstad of Alexandria, MN, and Lola Elg of St. James; special friend, Roger Haugland of Roseville, MN; many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband; a great granddaughter, Anna Nicole Dienhart; 3 sisters, Gladys Klebs, Florence Randall and Violet Johnson; and 6 brothers, Gilbert, Elmer, George, Arthur, Luverne and one in infancy.