Sharon Leila Nelson

Sharon Leila Nelson passed away at her home on Thursday, March 5, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Red Wing, Minnesota, to Arnold and Nina (Lamberg) Johnson on February 11, 1942, Sharon graduated from Red Wing High School in 1959. She married Thomas Nelson on April 11, 1964, and together they purchased the Vernon Young Place in rural Cannon Falls in 1970, where they built their life as farmers. Sharon found joy in gardening, crafts, and quilting. She worked as a bookkeeper for JC Penney and as a secretary at the Wanamingo School, and in 1993 she was elected to serve a term on the County Department of Agriculture’s Community ASC Committee.

A devoted member of Spring Garden Lutheran Church, Sharon served on the finance committee and with the Willing Workers. In the 1990s, she and Tom enjoyed traveling together, including a memorable cruise through the Panama Canal and visits to other destinations. Above all, family remained the center of her life; she cherished hosting holiday celebrations and summer gatherings for loved ones.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tom on April 24, 2019, and her brothers Lyle, Dale, and Roy Johnson. She is survived by her sister, Jan (Merle) Larson; sisters-in-law Gwen (Lyle) Johnson and Sue (Dale) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.