Dorothy Nelson

Dodie (Fread) Nelson passed away peacefully in Sauk Rapids, MN, on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at the age of 75.

Dodie is survived by her husband John, their children: Cathy (Mike) Bengtson; Rick (Boom) Nelson; Rob (Sue) Nelson; Jodie (Tom) Wendt; and Mark (Katherine) Nelson; and their grandchildren: Sarah & Maria Bengtson; Sam & Ben Nelson; Jonah & Davis Wendt; and Megan Nelson. She is also survived by her brothers, Martin/Don (Bobbi) Fread and Tim Fread. She is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Dorothy Fread, and an infant child.

Dodie was born on December 7, 1942, in Bismarck, ND. She spent her childhood years in Washington state before moving to Staples, MN, at age twelve. She graduated from Staples High School in 1961 and married John Nelson. Together they raised five children who remember their mother as a loving, patient, fun and feisty mother. She gave them endless encouragement to do their best. Over the years, Dodie was a day care provider to more children than can be counted, sharing with all her love for baking chocolate chip cookies and taking long walks through Staples.

A celebration of her life is scheduled for Sunday, February 25, 2018, from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Timberlake Hotel in Staples, MN. Memories will be shared at 2:00 pm. Please come and help us celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sacred Heart School in Staples, MN. Family graveside services will take place at a later date.