Arlene Evelyn (Nelson) Wilson

Arlene Evelyn Wilson, of Tamarack passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at her home.  She was born February 24, 1936 in Milwaukee, WI. to Victor E. and Hazel B. Nelson.  She spent her early years at Lake Pepin, WI, then moved to Minneapolis and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1954.  She attended Nursing School at Northwestern, graduating in 1957.  Arlene was united in marriage to Lavern Roland Wilson on October 27, 1956 in Richfield.  She worked in Hospitals and clinics in Minneapolis and  in 1961 they moved to Mora where Arlene worked for Kanabec Hospital.  In 1968 she was named Director of Nursing where she was in charge of all nursing protocol and procedures.  In 1979 she was named Director of Patient Care Services and she held that position until retirement in 2002. She enjoyed gardening, shopping, the Home Shopping Network, interior decorating, craft shows, vacationing with family, visiting with friends, traveling to antique shows, reading novels, collecting magazines and volunteering.  Along with her R.N. degree, she earned a credential of advanced studies in patient care administration from the U of M and a bachelor of science degree in health arts from the College of St. Francis in Joliet, IL.  She was very active in the American and Minnesota organizations of nurse executives and was president of the regional organization of nurse executives.  She served on the mental health advisory committee for Kanabec County and the Pine Technical Institute Advisory Committee.  She was a member of the library board in McGregor, Red Hat – Silly Sisters, Mora American Legion Aux., Angels, Round Lake Community Club, Round Lake Presbyterian Church and Costco.  She was preceded in death by her parents Victor and Hazel Nelson, husband Lavern Wilson in 2007, son-in-law Leslie Johnson, brother Alvin (Betty) Nelson and sister-in-law Irene Nelson.

Arlene is survived by her daughters and son-in-law: Lennae (Dave) Jackman of Tamarack and Jodi Wilen of Tamarack; 3 grandchildren: Kyle Jackman, Derek Jackman (Kali Schrader), Elissa Wilson (Andrew Judd); 2 great-grandchildren: Hudson and Korben Judd;  Special childhood friend Geri Krippner and many other special relatives and friends who mourn her passing.

Funeral service will be 2:00pm – Thursday, July 6, 2023 at Round Lake Presbyterian Church, McGregor.  Lori Kangas-Olson will be the Worship Leader.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in Round Lake Cemetery.  Arrangements are with McGregor Funeral Home & Cremation Services of McGregor.  Go to www.srtfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence.                                                                                                                                                 

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