- Date Of Birth: January 19, 1921
- Date Of Death: April 1, 2023
- State: Minnesota
Audrey was born in St. Paul, MN on January 19, 1921 to Peter and Ellen Nelson. She attended school in St. Paul, graduating from Johnson High School in 1939. She liked to share memories of life growing up during the Depression and of working a variety of jobs during WWII in St. Paul and California. Audrey met Laurel Johnson of Roseau during the war while he was in the U.S. Coast Guard. They were married in St. Paul on December 10, 1946.
Together they made their home on a farm south of Salol growing small grains and grass seed. Their first house was without electricity or indoor plumbing, which was quite a change for someone accustomed to city life. She had many interesting stories about the challenges and hard work of farm life during that time. Early in their marriage several winters were spent working in California. They retired from farming in 1984. Laurel passed away in 1986. Afterwards she moved into Roseau to live in a series of apartments, most recently at Oak Crest Senior Housing.
Audrey had been active in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Pinegrove Lutheran Church. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, gardening, and was a fantastic cook. She was a keen competitor at all kinds of games with friends and family and was unbeatable at Scrabble. Her quick wit made times spent together great fun. Devoted to family, Audrey was always there for encouragement and generous support. She will be sorely missed.
Audrey is survived by sons Richard of St. George, UT and Steven (Debra) of Salol, MN; daughter Barbara (Dennis) Hagen of Goodyear, AZ; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; sister Betty Nelson of Aurora, CO; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers Harold, Clarence, George; sisters Ethel, Helen, Eileen, Ruby.
