Nancy Nelson

Nancy Nelson, 62, Grand Forks, died Saturday, August 18, 2012 in her home. Nancy was born October 1, 1949 in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the daughter of Richard and Norman (Wilz) Demmers. They lived in McIntosh, SD, and Dickinson, ND, before moving with her family to Grand Forks in 1965. Graduating from Grand Forks Central in 1967, Nancy then graduated from UND in 1971. A gifted athlete throughout her life, Nancy lettered in many sports at UND, where she earned the Grace O. Rhonemus Award which recognizes the UND female athlete of the year. She also served as the UND women's basketball head coach from 1972-1973. Honoring her exemplary skills and accomplishments, she was inducted into the UND Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994. Nancy was a member of Colburn's 1982 class A state championship softball team, and successfully played and coached amateur sports for many years. Nancy married Allen Nelson on April 27, 1984, in Las Vegas, NV. They lived in Grand Forks throughout their marriage. She was employed by North Dakota Department of Transportation for 11 years, and then worked for Ideal Aerosmith for 24 years as an engineering designer and drafter. As the family genealogist, Nancy worked in concert with her cousin Liselotte in the Netherlands, and traveled there to meet her relatives in 2008. She enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and especially any time she could spend with her extended family. Nancy actively supported the CVIC (Community Violence Intervention Center), believing strongly in their mission to build a violence-free community by working together to promote human dignity, justice, and peace. Nancy is survived by her step children; Scott Nelson, Melinda Novacek, and Lanae Horner, grandchildren; Hunter and Bailey Horner, siblings; Richard Demmers, Phoenix, AZ, twin sister, Kathryn Valido, Cheyenne, WY; Judy Ludtke, Grand Forks, Bob Demmers, Grand Forks, Dave Demmers, White Bear Lake, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, Jon Demmers (brother), John Valido (brother-in-law), Claire Comer (sister-in-law). Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Visitation will be held Tuesday. August 21, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks. In lieu of flowers, donations to CVIC are preferred.