Claire R. Nelson

Claire R. Nelson, age 104, of Walhalla, ND died on Monday, July 2, 2007 at the Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2007 at the Pembilier Nursing Center Chapel in Walhalla. Burial will be in the Nore Cemetery, Numedahl ND. The family requests that memorials be designated to the Pembilier Nursing Center. Arrangements with Nelson-Askew Funeral Home, Walhalla, ND.
Claire Regine Nelson was born March 1, 1903 to Halvor Svensrud Nelson and his wife Carrie (Kjemhus) Nelson, both immigrants from the Numedahl area of Norway. She was the third child of eight and their first daughter. Her birthplace was a two room log cabin on her parents farm in Numedahl, Freemont Township. She received her elementary education in a log schoolhouse in Numedahl.
She attended Conordia College, Moorhead, MN, during her high school years where the main focus of her education was Bible study. In 1928, she graduated from the Deaconess School of Nursing in Grafton as a registered nurse. Her first nursing position was at San Haven State Hospital, Dunseith, ND, where she cared for patients with tuberculosis. She also worked at Deaconess Hospital, Chicago, IL and at several smaller hospitals, including one in Harvey, ND. During World War II, she was employed at Seaside Hospital, Long Beach, CA.
In the 1940's Claire's father became ill, and she came home to help her mother care for him. She remained on the family farm caring for family members until the 1990's when she moved to Walhalla. Since December of 2002, she has been a resident of the Pembilier Nursing Center.
Claire considered herself to be a farmer, as she spent most of her life on the farm. She was a passionate gardener and voracious reader.
She is survived by her sister, Selma Eid, Walhalla; nephew, Donald Cook Nelson, Walhalla, who was raised by the family; nephews, Larry Lien, Charles (Lynn) Lien, Gary Lien, and Robert Lien, all of Walhalla; niece, Carolyn (Rick) Crockett, Langdon, ND; grand niece, Kara Lien, Fargo, ND; grand nephews, Cory Lien, Grand Forks, James (Marcie) Crockett, Bristol, SD; Daniel Crockett, Langdon; Benjamin Crockett, Fargo; great grand nephew, Mathew; and great grand niece, Sydney.
Claire was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bernard, Charles, and Helmer Nelson; and sisters Bertha Powers, Marie Nelson, and Ann Lien.
Clergy: Rev. Don Swenson and Rev. Judy Moos.
Casket Bearers: James and Marcie Crockett, Daniel Crockett, Benjamin Crockett, Cory Lien, and Kara Lien.
Music: Rev. Judy Moos and Sharon Carpenter, Vocalists and Sharon Carpenter, Pianist.