Mary Bell (Koch) Nelson

Mary B. Nelson, age 88, of Sundell, died at her home on Thursday morning, October 12, 2023 under the loving care of her husband and daughters following a lengthy illness.  Mary was born at home in Limestone on November 29, 1934 to Arthur and Rachael (Parr) Koch.   She went to school in Eben and then married Richard “Bing” Nelson on July 22, 1950 and together they raised their four daughters.  Mary was known as “Mya” when she worked at the Eben Unity Co-op for twenty-five years.  She knew all that went on in the store.   Mary was a member at St. Rita Church in Trenary.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker.  According to Bing, Mary was the “best cook and baker around.”  Her bread, cinnamon rolls, and pies were the “best ever!”  She enjoyed playing cards and knitting.  Mary loved to snowshoe on their property in the wintertime and there was one winter she actually wore out a pair of new snowshoes.

Mary is survived by her husband of over 73 years – Richard “Bing” Nelson of Sundell; their daughters and sons-in-law – Martha and Frank Inman of Chatham, Kathy and Tony Knaus of Traunik, Alice and Gary “Buck” Lancour of Chatham, and Elaine and Tom Taskey of Chatham; grandchildren – Frank, Brian (Michelle), Ryan (Christy), Brad (Brooke), Craig (David), Brent, Danielle (Scott), Heather (Pat), and Kurston; twelve great-grandchildren; sister – Flora (Mike) Leppanen; brother – Ora Koch; numerous nieces and nephews including her special niece Vickie Nelson who was a great help in caring for Mary at home; and good friends – Nancy Anderson and Bill and Pat Porter.  Mary was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Justin Taskey, and siblings Ruby, Ida, Alic, Martha, Bob, Bill, and Paul.

Private family services will be held.