Lois Carol Nelson

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/QI5uwEeSYgI 

Lois Carol Nelson passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND.

Born on October 17, 1941, in Devils Lake, North Dakota, to Alfred and Louise Nelson, Lois grew up with a strong spirit that would define her entire life. She attended grade school at South Minnewaukan Township School and graduated from Central High School in Devils Lake, ND. Embodying a lifelong love of learning, she earned her bachelor's degree from Valley City State College and went on to complete her Master's in Education at the University of North Dakota in 1971.

As a child, Lois contracted polio. Through countless therapies and surgeries, and with her extraordinary tenacity and unyielding determination, she regained the ability to walk. That same strength served her well throughout a long, impactful career as an educator. She began her teaching career in Coleraine, Minnesota, before taking a position at Nathan Twining Elementary teaching first grade on the Grand Forks Air Force Base. She dedicated her career to shaping young minds until her retirement. Never one to sit still, Lois also enjoyed working part-time for ten years at Midco movie theaters, was a member of the Red Hats for 26 years, was a member and co-treasure of the Grand Forks Retired Teacher’s Association, and was a member of the Ladies Bible Study. Her deep faith guided her throughout her life and was a source of resilience and comfort.

Vibrant, sharp, and adventurous, Lois lived life on her own terms. She loved hitting the open road, fearlessly driving herself on countless vacations across the United States. She was deeply loved and admired by her students, friends, and family for her bright personality and generous heart. In her later years, as she managed the long-term effects of post-polio syndrome, she resided at Valley Senior Living, where she was loved and exceptionally well cared for.

Lois is survived by her nieces and nephews: Paul Wilkens, Ann Wilkens, Randy (Karen) Kriel, Annette (Randy) Anderson, Valerie Ashdown, Cindy Hager, and Daniel (Terri) Nelson; her sister-in-law, Sandra Maloney; and her cherished best friend, Linda Jenkins.

A service to remember and celebrate Lois's life will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Havig-Heen Auditorium Chapel at Valley Senior Living on 42nd St. in Grand Forks, ND. Visitation with the family will be held an hour prior to services, with refreshments to follow.