Minerva Jane Nelson, the daughter of the late Oliver and Edna (Morehouse) Lamb, was born on November 24, 1920, at Winner, MN., in Beltrami County, near Skime. She attended school there and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Minerva was united in marriage to Alfred Knutson and they made their home at Gatzke. Alfred died while serving in the army in Sept. of 1944, and she continued her home at Middle River. On June 29, 1946, Minerva married Melvin Nelson at Holt and they made their home at Middle River for many years. She was a long-time member of First Lutheran Church of Middle River and active in Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Middle River American Legion Auxiliary for over 51 years. She loved to travel and especially enjoyed her time with her family. Melvin passed away May 26, 1981, and Minerva continued her home at Middle River until 2001, when she moved to Thief River Falls. She later moved to the Valley Home at Thief River Falls and since November of 2008, has resided at First Care Living Center in Fosston, MN. where she passed away on Monday evening, May 16, 2011, at the age of 90 years, 5 months and 22 days.

She is survived by her children: Norma (James) Hutchinson, of Thief River Falls; Alfred Knutson, of Fosston; Shirley Peterson, of Salol, MN., and Maxine (Clifford) Sumner, of Thief River Falls; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Irire Lamb, of Harrison, AR. and James Lamb, of Yakima, WA.; five sisters: Etta Erickson, of Baudette, MN.; Ruth (August) Otto, of Grass Range, MT.; Clara (Don) Felton, of Hamilton, MT; Stella Moen, of Thief River Falls; and Mabel Majors, of Bono, AR.; in addition to many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Minerva was preceded in death by her first and second husbands, her parents, and several brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10 A,M, Sat. at First Lutheran Church in Middle River. Visitation will be after 6 P.M. Fri. with a 7 P.M. prayer service at Collins Funeral Chapel, Middle River, and at the church one hour prior to services Sat. morning.