Wilma Elaine Nelson age 94, passed away peacefully December 11, 2022 at The Gardens of Winsted Care Center, Winsted, Minnesota.
Wilma was born November 10, 1928 at the family home in Middleville Township rural Howard Lake the daughter of Awalt and Frieda (Stueven) Birkholz. She was baptized on December 16, 1928 at St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake by Pastor C.G. Seltz and confirmed in her faith on March 29, 1942 by Pastor E.N. Seltz.
She received her elementary education at Vannnurden Country School and St. James Lutheran School, graduating from Howard Lake High School as a member of the class of 1946.
On September 25, 1948, Wilma was married to Peter Nelson at St. James Church. They made their home in Cokato where she enjoyed employment at the dentist’s office of Dr. Gaustad for many years. Upon his retirement she continued in her position with Dr. Bill Fiedler, DDS before retiring.
Taking coffee breaks at the Sweet Shop and throughout the years at downtown coffee shops and then at The Marketplace in Cokato were her favorite parts of the day. Spending time with friends and making new ones, she always enjoyed visiting. It has been almost five years that she has been having coffee with her friends at The Gardens of Winsted Care Center. Family and friends were always important to her.
Wilma is survived by her sister Ruby (Don) Drusch and brother Merrill Birkholz; sister-in-law Ann Birkholz; foster son Quyen Nguyen; nieces and nephews, who at one time or another have all agreed, she was the most fun Aunt ever.
She was preceded in death by her husband Peter; parents Awalt and Frieda Birkholz; brothers Wilton Birkholz and Virgil Birkholz; dear friend Phil Thinesen; and faithful dogs, namely Banana Joe.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, December 17, 2022 with visitation 1 hour prior to services at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-286-2534