Elizabeth Joy Nelson

Elizabeth Joy (Betty) Nelson 85, Circle Pines, MN formerly of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Wednesday, May 23, 2012 in Ambassador Good Samaritan Center, New Hope, Minnesota. Elizabeth was born on October 25, 1926 in Grafton North Dakota. She was the daughter of Ernest and Clara (Tronson) Sjoquist. She grew up and attended school in Grafton ND with 2 years of Business College in Grand Forks ND. On May 1, 1949 she married Vernon Raymond Nelson at the Grafton Lutheran Church in Grafton ND. The couple lived in Grand Forks ND and Leeds ND. Elizabeth started as a payroll clerk in 1944 at the University of North Dakota and left in 1972 as Ex. Secretary to Vice President of Housing. She is survived by one daughter Mary (Nelson) Pollestad and one son-in-law Tonnes Pollestad of Andover, MN. Two grand daughters Naomi (Pollestad) Hoang and Ruth (Pollestad) Rautio. Two grand sons-in-law Jimmy Hoang and Kirk Rautio, four Great Grandchildren Sophia, Tyler, Allyanna and Titus. Two brothers Earl Leroy Sjoquist of West Fargo and James E. Sjoquist of Wahpeton ND and one sister-in-law Vema (Fisher) Sjoquist of West Fargo and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three infant siblings and her husband Vernon. She was active in the formation of Trinity Free Lutheran Church of Grand Forks where she taught Sunday School and Bible studies for many years. She was also active in the Association Free Lutheran Congregations, served as National Treasurer of the WMF and an officer of the Grand Forks Mission Belles. Her deepest love was for her Lord, her family and her Scandinavian heritage. Betty said, "See you at the throne!" Funeral services: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012 in Trinity Free Lutheran Church, 3426 Chestnut St., Grand Forks. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service Friday, June 1, 2012 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks and for one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment: 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2012 in Persilla Watts Cemetery in Rugby ND.