Dorothy Ann Nelson

Dorothy Ann "Dottie" Nelson

GRAND FORKS, ND — Dorothy Ann "Dottie" Nelson, age 97, peacefully passed into heaven on March 20, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Dottie was born on December 6, 1928, in Drayton, North Dakota, the daughter of Ervin and Anne Schumacher. She was raised and educated in Drayton, graduating from Drayton High School in 1946.

On June 29, 1951, Dorothy was united in marriage to William "Bill" Nelson. The couple initially made their home in Grand Forks, where they began their family and were blessed with three children: Debra, Robert, and Jacqueline. The family briefly relocated to Huntington Beach, California, for Bill’s career before returning to their beloved Grand Forks community in 1972.

A spirited entrepreneur, Dottie was a well-known fixture in the South Forks Plaza business community. She owned and operated Encore Hair Design and The Nibble Nook, and alongside Bill, she co-owned Uniforms Incorporated.

Dottie’s happiest moments were spent at the family cabin on Maple Lake. She was a gracious hostess who loved entertaining family and friends throughout the summer months. In their retirement, Dottie and Bill embraced the open road, traveling across the USA in their RV and often bringing their children and grandchildren along for the adventure. For twelve years, they enjoyed the warmth of the winter sun in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Dottie’s legacy of love and hard work lives on through her family. She is survived by her three children: Debra (Les) Johnson, Robert (Chi) Nelson, and Jacqueline "Jackie" Nelson; six grandchildren: Scott (Amy) Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Shaun (Jeremy Walker) Johnson, Cory Nelson, Cameron (Nicole) Nelson, and Casey Nelson; two step-grandchildren: Michael and Christopher Scogin; and four great-grandchildren: Autumn Johnson, Quinlan Johnson, Julian (Walker) Johnson, and Elaina (Walker) Johnson. She is also survived by her brother, A. John Schumacher, her sister, Verna Welk, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Ervin and Anne Schumacher; two brothers, Harvey and Lee Schumacher; and one sister, Helen Remme.

Services: A private family interment will take place this summer to honor Dottie’s life and memory.

Memorials: The family requests memorials to go to Dakota Boy’s and Girl’s Ranch, Minot, ND.