Jeanette “Blondie” Nelson

Jeanette “Blondie” Marlene Harju was born on March 28, 1939, in Becker County, Minnesota. Blondie graduated from Menahga High School. Following high school, Blondie attended Bemidji State College, beginning the winter quarter of 1957. While there she met her future husband, Jack Nelson.

On June 30, 1961, they were united in marriage following graduation from Bemidji State University. Together they loaded their 1953 Ford and headed west, making their home in California for 8 years. Blondie was employed as a substitute teacher and full-time teacher for 3 years. They returned to Minnesota in 1969 and Blondie began her career at Sebeka Public School. She was a first-grade teacher for 27 years, retiring in 1996.

Blondie enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren, spoiling them every time she could. She loved bowling, gardening, playing piano and watching game shows and soap operas on TV. Blondie cherished the time spent traveling with Jack and their granddaughter Shelbie. During their retirement years, Blondie, Jack, and Shelbie wintered together in Texas for 6 years. They made their home in Minnesota full-time in 2006. Blondie also loved caring for her cat, Torque.

On November 22, 2019, Jack passed away. Blondie has since resided at the Meadows in Wadena.

On January 3, 2022, Blondie passed away at Fair Oaks at 82 years of age. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family.

Blondie is survived by her grandchildren: Shelbie Nelson of Missouri City, Texas, Cruz Reed of Friendswood, Texas and Jackson Nelson of Henning, Minnesota.

Services will be held at a later date.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Blondie’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Wadena, Minnesota.