Jeanette Viola Nelson

Jeanette Viola Nelson (Watterud) was born August 18th, 1928 on the family farm near Columbus, ND. She was the 4th oldest of 12 children born to Clarence and Hazel Watterud. They lived on the family farm until she was 10 years old when they moved to Powers Lake, ND where she called home for 75 years. She graduated from PLHS in 1946. The 1st verse of the class poem was about her, “Jeanette, Jeanette, the Glamour Girl Plus, about her lessons she never did fuss; a whiz at English and Typing too, girls like her are all too few!” She married John Nelson on December 17th, 1950. They made their home on John’s family farm that John’s father homesteaded in 1902. They were blessed with two sons, Jack and Jeffrey. Jeanette loved cooking and baking and opening her home to family and friends. Jeanette was most famous for her donuts, sweet rolls, and buns which brought many fond memories to everyone around her. Throughout the years, Jeanette would wait tables in Powers Lake and she and John ran their own J&J café on Main Street for a year. She knew her God and her Bible very well, and was an active member of her church for 75 years. She was church treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and sang duets with sisters/friends in the church. She always had a kind smile and kind word for everybody that she met. Her encouraging personality and bright smile will be missed from all. She cared unconditionally for her family and was always there for them. John and Jeanette enjoyed visiting their family in warmer climates during parts of the ND winters. Their grandkids always looked forward to the fun souvenirs Jeanette would bring back with her. Often regarded as the matriarch of her family, she was highly adored and respected by her loved ones. For the past few years, Jeanette had lived in Orlando, FL year-round with her son, Jeffrey and his partner, Josue and created many more fond memories while living there. Jeanette is survived by her sisters Dolores, Eleanor, and Arlyce (Loyal), her brothers Marlyn (Arlys), Clarence, LaVern (Linda), and Gerald (Ardith), her sons Jack and Jeff (Josue), her grandchildren Jeremiah (Lisa), Jill (James), January (Joseph), Joshua (Laura), Justin (Hannah), and Amber (Sergio), and by her great-grandchildren Veronica, Olivia, Benjamin, and Henry. She was preceded in death by her sister, Luella, and brothers, Calvin, Bob, and Kenneth.

Jeanette Viola Nelson

August 18, 1928 - January 30, 2019