Dorothy M. Nelson

Dorothy Marie Nelson, 96, of Melcher-Dallas, passed away January 19, 2020. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2020 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Melcher-Dallas. Funeral service will be held Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Melcher-Dallas Fire Department, or the Melcher-Dallas Library. Dorothy Marie Griffin Nelson was born September 29, 1923 in rural Lovington, Illinois to John P. and Johannah Smith Griffin. She was married to Russell Nelson in Tonapoh, Nevada on April 20, 1945. This union was blessed with four children: Dennis, Cynthia, Jeffrey, and Suella. Dorothy and Russell moved to Melcher-Dallas in 1946. They owned Hall's Hardware for several years in Melcher-Dallas. Dorothy was very involved with her community. She volunteered for any cause or organization that needed help. She volunteered with the Little League, taking money for over 50 years and managing the concessions for over 30 years. Dorothy volunteered running the Melcher-Dallas Food Pantry for 20 years. She also volunteered with Hospice for many years. She was a supporter of the Christmas Seals for the American Lung Association for over fifty years. Dorothy was active at her church teaching religious education, taking communion to shut-ins, and was active in the Altar and Rosary Society. To say Dorothy enjoyed traveling would be an understatement. She had been to all the United States, and many foreign countries including: Mexico, Canada, Ireland, England, Austria, Germany, France, and Italy. One of her greatest traveling highlights was going to the Vatican and meeting the Pope. When thinking of Dorothy, you think of her smile, laugh, and conversations. She could talk to anyone and find out their life story in a short time. She loved to joke and tease with everyone. She was great at remembering everyone's birthday and sending cards. She enjoyed reading books, watching and listening to Lawrence Welk, and was an avid supporter of Melcher-Dallas and Knoxville athletics. Dorothy was 100% Irish and was a loving and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt. All who knew and loved her will cherish her memory. Dorothy is survived by her children: Dennis Nelson, Cynthia Smith, Jeffrey (Linda) Nelson, and Suella Thornton; grandchildren: Toni Smith, Chad (Lisa) Nelson, Traci (Tyler) Nelson-Johnson, Judd (Angela) Nelson, Tara Thornton; step-grandchildren: Tracey Zirbel and Kristin (Rob) Tompkins; brother: Joseph Vincent (Lena Mae) Griffin, and 12 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents: John and Johannah Griffin; her husband: Russell Nelson; brother: John Robert Griffin and her infant sister Mary Ellen Griffin. Cemetery Details Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery G76
Melcher-Dallas, IA 50062

Visitation

JAN 22. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CST)

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

204 SW D St.

Melcher-Dallas, IA 50163

Service

JAN 23. 11:00 AM (CST)

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

204 SW D St.

Melcher-Dallas, IA 50163