Nancy Ann Nelson

Nancy Ann Nelson (née Jacobson), age 92, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 22, 2026. Born on February 21, 1934, to Albert and Madeline Jacobson in Marquette, Michigan, Nancy grew up with a heart for helping others. Though she initially studied to become a nurse, her true calling unfolded when she chose to dedicate her life to raising her five children and partnering with her husband in ministry. Nancy and her late husband, Maynard, were an inseparable team in life and ministry. As he pastored churches in North Dakota, Seattle, and Minneapolis, Nancy served faithfully beside him, joining him for hospital visits and church events. Their ministry reached beyond the local church as they traveled the world together, leading groups to visit missionaries and explore cultural, religious, and historic sites. Music was one of Nancy's greatest gifts to the church. An accomplished pianist and organist, she played for Sunday school, choirs, and worship services, and she regularly lifted her own voice in the church choir. Beyond her musical gifts, Nancy was an incredible cook and a legendary hostess. She turned the concept of biblical hospitality into a weekly reality, opening doors and inviting people home on Sundays after church. Her warmth, open heart, and delicious meals made everyone feel welcome and valued. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband in 2003, her parents, and her brothers, Ronald Jacobson and James Jacobson. She leaves behind a rich legacy of love and faith through her surviving family. She is survived by her sister, Judy Cook, and her five children: Scott Nelson and his wife Kelly; Sandra Yoakum and her husband Randall; Susan Moraleda and her husband Donald Lester; Sally Dominguez and her husband Eustacio; and Sarah Walles and her husband William. She was the proud grandmother of 16 grandchildren: Cameron and Sean Nelson; Randall, Brian, and Kevin Yoakum; Erin Malaspino; Bennet, Tara, and Gemma Moraleda; Neomi, Jacob, and Adriana Dominguez-Nelson; and Payton, Carter, Risa, and Sage Walles. She is also survived by 6 cherished great-grandchildren, as well as a global community of friends and congregants whose lives were touched by her grace. A celebration of Nancy's life and faith will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Calvary Church, 7520 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley, MN 55427. Donations in honor of Nancy's memory may be given to the Maynard and Nancy Nelson Missionary Scholarship Fund (Calvary.org/give/endowment) or Mazahua Valley Ministries (mvmmexico.org/give).

Nancy Ann Nelson

February 21, 1934 - August 22, 2026

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