Phyllis “Chick” Nelson passed away the evening of Monday, July 27, 2026 at Eventide Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo, ND, mere hours from her 90th Birthday.

Chick was born on July 28, 1936, to Harold and Ruby (Nowak) Briggs at St. Luke's Hospital in Fargo, ND. She grew up in Moorhead, MN where she was a graduate of Moorhead High School.

Chick met Dean while working at First National Bank, where she began as a Bookkeeper, then became a Teller.

She was united in marriage to Dean Nelson on September 26, 1959, at St. Francis de Sales Church.

Once married, Dean and Chick were lifelong residents of Moorhead, MN where she was a Mother, a Homemaker, and played an important supporting role to Dean in all of his professions, of which he held many (Farmer, Insurance Agent, Federal Crop Insurance Adjuster, Fireman). She later worked in the Moorhead office of Ferrellgas for a number of years.

As a woman of faith, she was a lifelong member at St. Francis. She served with years of volunteerism including activities in her Circle and the Christian Mothers group. She was a wonderful example of servant leadership at church and with family.

With a passion for observing growth, she most enjoyed her family. She enjoyed her garden and others. Some favorites she would revisit included the family farm, the lakeside rose garden in Duluth, Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud, the NDSU garden, and local garden tours.

In viewing of the fall colors, Chick and Dean enjoyed many annual Anniversary trips to Duluth and up the North Shore.

She so enjoyed spending time at her favorite place, the family lake cabin, often cooking and putting out an amazing spread of food which she made appear effortless.

Over the years, her friends kept in touch and shared in lifelong connections. All of whom are lovely examples of friendship, kindness, and grace.

Later in life, she finally allowed herself the simple joy of sitting in the sun and reading a book, or just enjoying the sunshine, solitude, peace and quiet.

Chick is preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law, Melvin and Olga Nelson; husband, Dean Nelson; sister-in-law, Wanda (Nelson, Evert) Poehls; brothers-in-law, Dan Evert, and Jerome Poehls; beloved aunts, Louise (Nowak, Bjornstad) Wilk, and Lucille (Nowak) Blair.

She is survived by her children, Gary (Linda) Nelson, Brad (Janine) Nelson, Susan Nelson (special friend Dennis Wedll), and Don Nelson; grandchildren, Kristie (Chris) Hondl, Blaine (Ashley) Nelson, Kari (Matt) George; seven great grandchildren; brothers Bill (Mary) Briggs, Curt (Caroline) Briggs; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, August 3, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, with prayer service at 7:00 PM, in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead. Visitation will continue Tuesday from 10:00 - 11:00 AM prior to the service at church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 4, at 11:00 AM, in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.