A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, November 2nd, at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN for Pendra Ann “Penny” Nelsen, age 86. Penny passed away at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea on October 19, 2024. Reverend Shane Koepke will be officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Pendra Ann “Penny” Nelsen

Penny was born on May 1, 1938, to Glenn and Myrtice (Brooks) Rusley in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She grew up and attended school in Albert Lea, graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1956. After high school she attended Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, graduating in 1957. On July 24, 1959, Penny was united in marriage to Paul E. Nelsen. The couple moved to San Diego, California in 1964, where Penny worked as a medical technician at the San Diego Allergy Clinic until retiring in 1989. After her retirement, Penny and Paul returned to Albert Lea. Paul passed away in 1997. Penny later met her special friend, Floyd Helland and the couple made their home in Albert Lea.

Penny was a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and supported numerous causes including the Shriners Children’s Hospital and Disabled American Veterans. She enjoyed sightseeing and traveling, taking trips with Floyd to California, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Branson, Missouri, Arizona and Florida to name a few. While living in San Diego she became an avid San Diego Chargers football fan. Above all, Penny’s greatest love was being with her family.

She is survived by special friend, Floyd Helland; sisters, Elaine Long, Janet Werner, Donna Rye; sister-in-law, Phyllis Rusley; 7 nieces and nephews and many grand nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Myrtice Rusley; husband, Paul E. Nelsen; brother, Robert A. Rusley; brothers in law, Richard Rye Sr., David Long Sr., Richard Werner; grand nephew Evan D. Long.