James and Agnes (Schiele) Nelson

Agnes A. “Aggie” Nelson, 79 of Grand Forks formerly of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Sunday afternoon, May 26, 2019 at Valley Elder Care Center, Grand Forks, ND in the loving care of her family and Altru Hospice.

James I. “Jim” Nelson, 80 of Grand Forks formerly of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Sunday evening, May 26, 2019 at Valley Elder Care Center, Grand Forks, ND in the loving care of his family and Altru Hospice. 

Memorials may be directed to Altru Hospice or Valley Elder Care in Grand Forks, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial for Aggie and Jim will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday, May 29^th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue on Thursday at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. 

A Rosary and Scripture service will be held on Wednesday, May 29^th at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  The Rosary will be recited by the Catholic Daughters in memory of Agnes and the 4^th Degree Knights of Columbus will provide and Honor Guard in memory of James.  The Scripture service will be led by Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon. 

Aggie and Jim will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

The Love Story of James and Agnes Nelson

Their story together begins when they met while roller skating at the Memorial Building. They were married on June 1^st, 1960 and made their home in Devils Lake, raising their 7 children. Their enjoyment came from spending time with family and friends. They loved to play many different card games, board games, dancing, bingo and any other activities that allowed them to socialize. With their family, they enjoyed skating, camping and many memorable family trips in the green station wagon, the “Spirit of 76” van and a lime green and white school bus converted camper!

Jim was a member of Kiwanis, the Eagles, the Elks, and the Knights of Columbus as 4th Degree Knight as well as a volunteer fireman. Back in the day, Jim could be seen with a line of neighborhood kids waiting for a ride around the block on his motorcycle.

Aggie was a member of the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, Bridge Club, bowling leagues, as well as a Grandma to all children who had the privilege to know her! One of her most popular trademarks was sewing pajamas for kids of all ages. She also loved crafts such as ceramics, painting, sewing, cross stitching as well as coloring with the kids.

In their final years together, they were both challenged with failing health. Although at times it was tough, they never let it keep them from their involvement/spending time with family and friends. Their unending love for each other and their family was evident until their last breaths. With each other in the same room and surrounded by their family, they departed this earth within hours of each other, not having to spend even a single day apart.

Survived by their children: Ron (Joe) Nelson, Witchata Falls, TX; Jeff Nelson, Fargo, ND; Tom (Carla) Nelson, Lakeville, MN; Joyce (Kyle) Nelson, Devils Lake, ND;

Patti (Tom) DesSaint, Maple Grove, MN; Marilyn (Kent) Ripplinger, Grand Forks, ND;

Jerry (Joan) Nelson, Maple Grove, MN. Grandkids: Brock (Erin) Zietz; Preston Braathen; Kala, Hope, Ryan (Sadie) Nelson; Jakoby, Baden, Ellie (Ryan LaDouceur) Ripplinger; Riley, Sydney, Josh Nelson; Kelly, Kevin Nelson. Great grandchild Rylan Zietz.

Agnes (Aggie) Ann Nelson

Agnes was born August 17, 1939, daughter of Philip and Emelia (Tuchscherer) Schiele in Devils Lake, ND. She graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1957. She continued her education at Mayville State University.

Aggie stayed at home until all the children were in school. She also babysat for other children during those years. Once all of her children were in school, she began to work for the Devils Lake Public Schools as a cook and bus driver until she retired. During the summer, Aggie drove bus for Ft. Totten Little Theater.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Phillip Schiele, Donald Schiele, Mary Ellen Martin and three infant brothers.

Agnes is survived by siblings: Rose Senger, Jim Schiele, and Kathy Kirkeby

James (Jim) Irvine Nelson

Jim was born June 16, 1938, son of Ragnar and Freida (Moore) Nelson in Devils Lake, ND. He completed school to 8th grade, later received his GED, and then went on to vocational school.

Jim worked as a sleeper fireman for the first years of their marriage, then moved on to be Transportation and Facilities Manager for the Devils Lake Public Schools. He owned and operated Nelson's M & I Electric for many years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Robert Nelson, Donald Nelson, Raymond Nelson, Bernice Miller, Kenneth Nelson, Margaret Nicholas, Lena Swenson, and three half siblings.

Jim is survived by siblings Dale Nelson, Duane (Bernadine) Nelson, Chuck (Helen) Nelson, Kathleen Hitsman, and Evelyn Rasmussen