A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Clara Nelson, age 99, of Windom, will be held at LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom on Wednesday, October 7th at 11:00 AM, with a time of visitation and gathering from 10:00-11:00 AM. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Windom.

Clara Irene (Kirstein) Nelson was born on November 30, 1926, in Madison, South Dakota, to Arthur and Esther (Backhaus) Kirstein. She graduated from Windom High School in May 1944 and continued her education at Northwestern Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Clara was united in marriage to Leo T. Nelson, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and service to others.

Throughout her long and meaningful life, Clara found many ways to care for and serve those around her. She worked as a nurse’s aide at Eitel Hospital in Minneapolis and later at Sogge Memorial Rest Home in Windom. After returning to Windom, Clara continued giving of her time and talents, working as the secretary at First Baptist Church for seven years, volunteering weekly at Delft Swan Lake Day Center, and providing hospice care through Windom Hospital.

Clara’s faith was at the heart of her life. She dedicated herself to teaching Sunday School and Bible studies and served as a camp counselor, sharing her faith and encouraging children and young people. She read through the Bible several times and treasured opportunities to learn from and share God’s Word. Her love for children continued throughout her life. Even at the age of 80, Clara was active with DVBS Awana and Cubbies. Clara expressed her faith through music. Inspired by the Lord, she wrote down the songs and messages that came to her and compiled them into her “Gift of God” songbooks, which she shared with family and friends. The songs and words she felt called to write became a special blessing to many throughout the years.

Clara’s heart for service extended well beyond her community. From 1980 through 1992, she traveled to Alaska for two to four weeks each summer for eight summers, volunteering as kitchen help at Bible Camp. Her willingness to give her time, lend a helping hand, and care for others was a meaningful part of the life she lived. Above all, Clara was a dedicated wife and mother who cherished her family and sought to live out her faith in the way she cared for others.

At the age of 99, Clara passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Windom Area Health in Windom. Her life spanned nearly a century, touching many people through the care she provided, the work she faithfully gave herself to, and the quiet ways she served others. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will continue through her family and the many lives she touched.

Left to cherish Clara’s memory are her children, Sidney Nelson of Windom and Sharon (David) Schmidt of Windom; along with other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo T. Nelson; parents, Arthur and Esther Kirstein; brother, Elton Kirstein; and sister, Lucille Lawrence.

We extend our gratitude to the staff at Pine View Assisted Living for the dedicated care and service they provided over the past ten years.