Mathilda "Tilla" Nelson was born April 3, 1898 near Hendricks, Minnesota to parents Hans and Malena (Hofland) Natvig. She was baptized on May 1, 1898 at the Marble Church, rural Hendricks, by Rev. Hoel. She was confirmed on September 29, 1912 at the Marble Church. Mathilda married Bert E. Nelson on September 15, 1920 at the Hansonville Lutheran Church, Hendricks, MN by Rev. O. Mostrom. "Tilla", as she was know by her family and friends, was a cook for many years at the Hazel Run Public School. She was a member of the Hazel Run Ladies Aid and for many years she was responsible for making the oyster stew for the Hazel Run Men's Supper. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and playing cards. Tilla passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, June 2, 1996 at the Granite Manor at the age of 98 years, 1 month, and 30 days. She is survived by her daughters: Madlyn (and John) Zak of East Amherst, NY; Evelyn (and Herbert) Christensen of Clarkfield, MN; and Dorothy Swang Gramer of Granite Falls, MN. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and sister Hattie Jeppesen of Montevideo, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bert, an infant son, two sons-in-law: Odell Swang and Bowie Gramer, and sisters Sarah, Anna, Ella, and brother Andrew. Tilla was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral Services: Thursday, June 6, 1996, 2:00 p.m., Hazel Run Lutheran Church, Hazel Run, Minnesota Officiant: Pastor Cindy Hopp Organist: Arlys Jacobson Soloist: Loren Norgaard "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "Old Rugged Cross" Honorary Casketbearers: Robert Christensen, Mary Jane Greco, Barb Zak, Donald Zak, Tom Zak Casketbearers: Jan Botsford, Patty Christensen, Cindy Jensen, Diane Ladner, Micheal Meier, Mike Swang Final Resting Place: Hazel Run Lutheran Cemetery, Hazel Run, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota 'Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Thru the storm, thru the night, Lead me on to the light Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. When my way grows drear, Precious Lord, linger near When my life is almost gone; Hear my cry, hear my call, Hold my hand lest I fall. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home." Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota