Shirley Ann Jacobson Nelson

Shirley Jacobson Nelson, age 88 of North Branch, passed away on Friday, September 28, 2018 at Ecumen of North Branch.  Shirley was born on August 22, 1930 in Mora, Minnesota to parents, G. Sumner and Gladys Goldsmith.  Shirley and the Goldsmith family lived and attended school in Mora with the exception of about three years where they lived in the Portland Oregon area where her father worked in the shipyards during World War II.  Shirley and the Goldsmith family returned to Mora where she graduated from high school in 1948.  Shirley often talked of her love of dancing and socializing during her high school years and acted in the high school play.  Her motto from high school was “have fun while you can.”

Shirley met the first love of her life, Earl Maas, in high school and often spoke of riding on his motorcycle during his courting of Shirley.  They were married on December 30, 1948 in St. Paul.  Throughout her life she would be known for her youthful good looks along with her grace and strength.

Shirley and Earl quickly built a family with Cindy, Stephanie and Gary added to the family between 1950 and 1955.  Tragedy struck and Earl died in 1957 at the age of 28 from kidney disease.  Shirley later met and married Clarence (Jake) Jacobson from Rush City.  Shirley and Jake were married on August 15, 1958 and made their home in Rush City.  During this marriage of 25 years to Jake they had a son, Bob, and added Jake’s daughter Nancy by his first marriage to the family.

During Shirley’s time in Rush City she enjoyed socializing with friends, was a longtime member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City, worked at Sommer/Opatz Drug overseeing the gift shop and also worked in the restaurant at the Grant House.  She loved her children and later her many grandchildren attending their many events.  She loved her church, belonged to the VFW Auxiliary, and was a long time member of the Order of the Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron.  Jake died suddenly in 1985 shortly after retirement.  

Shirley later married Richard Nelson on January 10, 1987.  Richard helped Shirley realize her dream of avoiding Minnesota winters for more than two decades living in Dream Valley Ranch in Mission, Texas in the winter and Mora during the summer months.  Shirley enjoyed her friends and the warm weather and frequently crossed the border to Mexico buying her favorite trinkets and helping the needy.  She loved to shop and was generous in buying and sharing jewelry, perfumes and good cheer with her children and grandchildren.  Shirley also rekindled her talent for painting.  She completed numerous paintings and generously shared them with family and friends to adorn the walls of their homes.  Shirley and Richard returned to Minnesota full time in 2012.  Richard died in September 2012 from cancer.

Shirley enjoyed her later years under the kind care of Ecumen of North Branch where she made new friends and was reacquainted with her many former Rush City friends.  Shirley was well known and loved by staff and residents at Ecumen passing away surrounded by family to tears and fond memories.

Shirley is mourned by her children Cindy Koepp (Vern), Stephanie Olson (Gary) of Rush City, Gary Jacobson (Karen) of Cambridge, Nancy Jacobson of Minneapolis, Bob Jacobson (Diane) of St. Paul; brothers Bob Goldsmith of Mora, Jim Goldsmith (Sonja) of Vero Beach, Florida; sisters-in-law Evelyn Goldsmith of New Prague, Joann Goldsmith of Mora; 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many more friends and relatives.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Earl Maas; husband Clarence Jacobson; husband Richard Nelson; parents G. Sumner and Gladys Goldsmith; brothers Ron Goldsmith, Tom Goldsmith; daughter-in-law Janie Jacobson; sister-in-law Marilyn Goldsmith. 

Shirley’s family thanks you for the many thoughts, prayers, and kindness shown to our family.   We also thank the caring staff from Ecumen North Branch who showed great compassion, concern and love for Shirley and her family especially during the last several days of her life.   

Reverend Nathan Baker-Trinity will officiate services for Shirley: 11 AM; Wednesday (10/3) with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City (1000 So. Jay Ave. Rush City, MN).  

If you wish to make a memorial gift, please consider Shirley’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements for Shirley Jacobson Nelson are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City  ~  Olson Chapel.   www.FuneralAndCremationService.com