Dorothy Nelson
HENDRICKS–Dorothy Nelson, age 93, of Hendricks, MN passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at the Hendricks Nursing Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, January 12th at Faith Lutheran Brethren Church in Hendricks, MN with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Walnut Grove, MN. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Hendricks, MN has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials are preferred.
Dorothy Genevieve Nelson, the beloved matriarch of our family, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026. Her warm smile could light up any room, and there was always a sense of comfort and welcome in her presence.
Dorothy was born on March 1, 1932, in Avoca, MN, to Otto and Jennie (Dunkerken) Heinrich. The oldest of ten children, she naturally stepped into a nurturing, motherly role early in life. A role she carried with grace and devotion throughout her years.
On March 11, 1950, Dorothy was united in marriage to Vernon D. Nelson in Avoca. Together they were blessed with seven children. The couple began their life farming in Walnut Grove, MN, before settling in Hendricks, where Dorothy farmed alongside her husband, managed the Hendricks Senior Dining Center, and later worked as a home health caregiver. Grounded in her faith and active in the United Methodist Church, Dorothy lived every role as a caretaker and tireless volunteer, always serving others with humility and grace.
Her dedication to service was recognized twice when she received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Bush and President Obama, honoring 4,000 and later 6,000 volunteer hours. When asked about the recognition, Dorothy humbly said, “I don’t want recognition. I love every minute of it. I love people. That’s number one.”
Dorothy’s home was always open and her table always full. She believed food was love, and no one ever left her presence hungry – in body or in spirit. She was especially known for her angel food cakes, famously made with 13 egg whites. If we carry these traditions forward, her love continues to nourish us.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Bradley and Julie Nelson of Sebastian, FL; Julie Nelson of Hendricks; Brett and Karol Nelson of Hendricks; Terri Nelson of Montevideo, MN; DaLana and Dan Midtaune of Hendricks; Danielle Nelson and Kennedy Omonuwa of New York City, NY; 12 grandchildren: Raquel, Rachel, Ross, Ryan, Angela, David, Matthew, Michael, McKenzie, Jeremy, Justin, Erin; 28 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her siblings: Darlene Smith, Betty Sturm, Frank (Lee) Heinrich, Robert Heinrich, and Greg (Melodie) Heinrich.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Vernon; her beloved sons David, Scot, and Bruce; her siblings Adeline Johnson, Roxie Heinrich, Donald Heinrich, and William Heinrich.