Mae Nelson

Mae Amelia Ahleen Nelson, 95, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Our precious Mother, Grandmother and friend was born May 1, 1916, in Salt Lake City to Karl Edmond Ahleen and Emilia "Emy" Zetterquist Ahleen. As a child, she grew up in a time of the Great Depression, experiencing many hardships, and yet she valued each day of life. In her early teen years, she worked as a housekeeper, earning extra money to help support her younger sisters and brother and always giving to others. In 1938, she married Ivan Raymond Nelson in Blackfoot, and shortly after their marriage, they moved to Salt Lake City. Within the next six years, they were blessed with six daughters that included a set of twins. From the time her first child was born, she dedicated her entire life to her family. In 1949, Mae and Ivan moved to Coltman, Idaho, to raise their family on a farm. Mae's home became the gathering place for all family members, friends and neighbors. She was a wonderful cook and well known for her great Swedish hospitality; no one ever left her home without being offered a meal. She welcomed everyone and her door was always open to all. In 1963 Mae and Ivan moved to Idaho Falls. In 1964 Ivan passed away, leaving Mae a widow at the young age of 48. She then opened "Grandma Mae's Happy Time Nursery" providing a loving haven for the little ones for many years by emphasizing values and molding character to many children's lives. Her love was eternally unconditional, and she especially enjoyed visits from her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special friends. She is survived by five of her daughters: Norma Henderson, Joyce (Blaine) Moncur, Arlene (Veldon) Hix, Beverly (Larry) Hudman and Carol Dodge, all of Idaho Falls; stepson, Ivan Myrland (Heidi) Nelson of Carlisle, PA.; brother, George N. Holgerson of Washington, Utah; 28 grandchildren, 108 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great-grandchildren, who are grateful for her inspiration and the matriarchal legacy she leaves behind. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan Nelson; one daughter, Joan Nelson; one granddaughter, Angie Dodge; her parents, Karl and Emy Ahleen; stepfather, Valfred Holgerson; and her four sisters, Mildred Riis, Marion Estheimer, Margaret Tassie and Dorothy Grubaugh. The family will gather from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, April 9, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, at the Idaho Falls LDS Stake Center, 1155 First St., with Bishop Brent Dodge officiating. The family will also meet with family and friends from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Idaho Falls. The family extends their sincere thanks to Idaho Falls clinic and staff, Qualicare and EIRMC medical staff for the special care they gave her.

Funeral Services -- Tuesday

Tuesday April 10, 2012 , 11:00 a.m. at Idaho Falls LDS Stake Center

The family will visit with friends and relatives Monday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 North Ridge Avenue) and on Tuesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

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