Muriel M. Hegstrom Nelson

Muriel Mae Nelson, 89, passed away at Wittenberg Village on May 15, 2013. Muriel, a native of Crystal Falls, MI, is was the beloved wife of Aaron Nelson, 91. She is also survived by her daughter Karen (James) Anderson of Phoenix, AZ, sons Kurt (Karen) of LaGrange, IL, Mark (Karen) and John (Carla) of Highland, IN, and preceded in death by daughter Deanna Morgan. She was a proud grandma to grandchildren Alicia, Darren, Matthew, Paul, Christopher, Eric, Lisa, Jennifer, Julie and Valorie, and great-grandma to eight great-grandchildren.

Muriel was a music and piano major at Saint Olaf College of Northfield, MN, where she met Aaron while accompanying the Saint Olaf Choir. After their wedding on June 15, 1946, they moved to the region and eventually made their home in Griffith, IN. She spent 20 years as an elementary school music teacher for the School Town of Highland, IN. She was determined to communicate her love of music to children in their early years by recognizing their talents, and directing many choir concerts and musical plays. She was always proud of her students and their accomplishments.

Muriel and Aaron were charter members of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and after years of being the organist and choir director, Muriel and Aaron moved to the Griffith Lutheran Church where she spent another 30 years in the same roles, eventually retiring in 2002. At that time, the Muriel Nelson Music Scholarship Fund was created in order to help young students with the costs of music lessons, promoting her love of music. As a resident of the Wittenberg Village suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, she continued her music ministry by playing the piano for fellow residents and bringing them happiness with her musical gifts.

Muriel had a strong faith in God and Jesus and loved serving her church. She set the best example for her own children, teaching them to be dedicated spouses and parents. Muriel was always there for her family. Muriel and Aaron also loved to travel across the United States & Europe, and made frequent trips to their cottage at Lake Mary in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

There will be a wake at the Kuiper Funeral Home in Highland, IN on Sunday, May 19 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and funeral services will be held at Griffith Lutheran Church on May 20 at 10:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to the Muriel Nelson Music Scholarship Fund, c/o Griffith Lutheran Church, 1000 N. Broad Street, Griffith, IN 46319.