Jean Nelson

FUNERAL SERVICES : 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.VISITATION : One hour prior to the service at the funeral home.SURVIVORS : Her son, Greg (Cheryle) Nelson of Castro Valley, CA; her daughter, Clair (Mark) Ballard of Park Rapids, MN; two grandchildren, John and Sara Ballard of Park Rapids. JEAN NELSONFebruary 19, 1934 ~ December 21, 2011 Jean Nelson, age 77 of Park Rapids, MN formerly of Oakland, California, following a valiant battle against lung cancer, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at her home in Park Rapids surrounded by her loving family. Jean was born to Daniel and May (Volkers) McDonald on February 19, 1934 in Bloomfield, Nebraska. She attended Bloomfield High School and graduated with the class of 1952. She worked as a clerk with the City of Bloomfield for a couple of years. She was united in marriage in April of 1954 to Skeeter Nelson. Their union was blessed with one son, Greg. Together, Jean and Skeeter owned and operated an auto body shop. In 1961, Jean moved with her son to Texas where she found employment as a bank clerk. In 1966, Jean met James Barry and their union was blessed with one daughter, Clair. In 1968, she moved her young family to Southern California where she also worked as a bank clerk. In 1972, she moved to Oakland, California where she gained employment with Cigna Insurance as a collections agent in a career that spanned 26 years. In 2007, she relocated to Park Rapids, MN where she could be closer to her family. In August of 2011, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She kept a positive outlook right up to the end. Jean loved to do crafts and read but more than anything she loved being with her grandchildren who she loved with all her heart. Jean will be lovingly remembered by her son, Greg (Cheryle) Nelson of Castro Valley, CA; her daughter, Clair (Mark) Ballard of Park Rapids, MN; two grandchildren, John and Sara Ballard of Park Rapids; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Helen Rose and one brother, Paul McDonald. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Joshua Hawn officiating. Special music will be "Amazing Grace" and How Great Thou Art." Memorials are preferred to The American Cancer Society.