The beloved Shirley Ann Nelsen, 77 yrs old, passed away 12/12/14 after a several  year struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Shirley was born in 1937 in Minneiska, MN, graduated from Winona High School in 1955 and moved to Rochester. She married Chuck Nelsen in 1956, and was employed by the Mayo Clinic until her retirement in 1998. Shirley was very active with several charitable organizations, most notably, a significant contributor to The Hope Lodge, affiliated with the American Cancer Society. She also served as a mentor for Compassionate Friends and several other national and locally based charities. She had a heart of gold and loved to help others in need.

Shirley is survived by 2 daughters, Julie Nelsen of Trophy Club, TX, Peggy Wohlers of Mahtomedi, MN,(husband-Gregg Wohlers), 3 grandchildren: Katie, Brad and Charlie Wohlers. She is also survived by 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Shirley's passing was preceded by the passing of her youngest daughter Pam in 1996, her husband Chuck in 1997, and her brother, Jack Nepper in 2007.

Shirley had a passion for dancing, golf, and "The Red Hats Club". She enjoyed traveling, the family lake house and attending the grandkids school functions.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held Friday Dec. 19th at 2:30 p.m. in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, address : 1105 12 ^th Street SE Rochester, Minnesota 55904. Visitation will be held from 1:00pm,untill the service time.  In lieu of flowers, the family please requests that memorials be sent to The Alzheimer's Association of MN/ND Chapter.

Shirley had an infectious laughter and sense of humor along with an exemplary sense of compassion. She will forever be missed by all the lives she touched.