1949
RaNae
2008
RaNae Nelson
October 11, 1949 — April 26, 2008
RaNae Nelson, daughter of Ted and Betty (Henrichs) Nelson, was born October 11, 1949 at Graceville, Minnesota. She grew up and received her schooling in Clinton, graduating from Clinton High School in 1967. She then attended Moorhead State University, where she received her degree in Education. In 1970, she began teaching in Wheaton, Minnesota, where she taught Elementary Education for over 30 years, as well as serving in the role of principal for five years. She was currently working as a substitute teacher in Wheaton, as well as teaching at the University of Minnesota Morris.
Education was always a passion for RaNae, which was evident by her efforts in starting the Young Writers Conference in the 1990's in Fergus Falls, serving as President of the Minnesota Education Association, and by her countless hours spent writing grants to support the work of area schools. Her passion was also rewarded in 2001 when RaNae received a Presidential Award for Math in Washington, DC., where she was happy to have her mother, Betty, accompany her.
Along with her dedication to education, RaNae was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, the Wheaton Lions Club, the Legion Auxiliary and the Red Hat Society. In her free time, she also enjoyed reading, crafting and collecting. Most important to RaNae were her family, friends and students.
RaNae died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Graceville Health Center in Graceville, Minnesota, having lived to reach the age of 58 years.
She is survived by her mother, Betty Nelson of Clinton; one brother: Perry (Barb) Nelson of Breckenridge; one sister: Cindy (Donald) Follmer of Maplewood; six nieces and nephews and five great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Ted Nelson; one brother; Gary Nelson and her maternal and paternal grandparents; as well as many aunts and uncles.
Education was always a passion for RaNae, which was evident by her efforts in starting the Young Writers Conference in the 1990's in Fergus Falls, serving as President of the Minnesota Education Association, and by her countless hours spent writing grants to support the work of area schools. Her passion was also rewarded in 2001 when RaNae received a Presidential Award for Math in Washington, DC., where she was happy to have her mother, Betty, accompany her.
Along with her dedication to education, RaNae was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, the Wheaton Lions Club, the Legion Auxiliary and the Red Hat Society. In her free time, she also enjoyed reading, crafting and collecting. Most important to RaNae were her family, friends and students.
RaNae died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Graceville Health Center in Graceville, Minnesota, having lived to reach the age of 58 years.
She is survived by her mother, Betty Nelson of Clinton; one brother: Perry (Barb) Nelson of Breckenridge; one sister: Cindy (Donald) Follmer of Maplewood; six nieces and nephews and five great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Ted Nelson; one brother; Gary Nelson and her maternal and paternal grandparents; as well as many aunts and uncles.