Lois Arlene Wilson, 68, of rural Mentor, MN, died on Friday, August 5, 2016, at her residence surrounded by her family. Lois was born on February 1, 1948, to Lawrence and Amanda (Jacobson) Nelson in Grand Forks, ND. She grew up on a farm near Sundal, MN, and graduated from the Gary High School, Gary, MN, in 1966. Following her schooling, Lois worked at the First State Bank of Fertile.

On May 24, 1969, Lois was united in marriage to Russell Wilson at Sundal Lutheran Church, Sundal. As a couple, Lois and Russell operated their family farm and raised their four children. In November of 2015, Lois was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. She was blessed to have family supporting and caring for her during these past months.

Faith, family and farming was a large part of Lois' life. She was a devoted member of Maple Lake Lutheran Church, using her talents in the church's mission. Lois oversaw much of the church's quilting mission work giving quilts to the Northland Mission in Grand Forks and World Relief. Her quilting and knitting skills were also shared and treasured with family and friends as gifts for birthdays and special occasions. She was an amazing gardener and loved to admire the beauty of her flowers. Humming Birds enjoyed the nectar Lois provided and Lois loved to see the tiny birds. She was a great cook providing delicious meals to family and friends. Lois and Russell appreciated the opportunity to travel to places throughout the world--China, South America and Europe. More than anything Lois loved spending time and making memories with her husband, Russell, and their children and grandchildren.

Lois is survived by her husband, Russell, Mentor, MN; four children: Scott (Marcy), Mentor, MN; Tanya (Jeff) Mountain, New Richmond, WI; Sarah (Dan) Riewer, Bagley, MN; and Lisa (Nick) Aakhus, Mentor, MN; 12 grandchildren; mother: Amanda Nelson, Gary, MN; siblings: Wally (Edna) Nelson, Gary, MN; Lee Nelson, Rochester, MN; Clarise (Mike) Caillier, Crookston, MN; and Donnie (Joan) Nelson, Fosston, MN; sister-in-law: Rosie (Merle) Kolstad, Erskine, MN; several cousins, nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Nelson, father and mother-in-law, Lauritz and Clarice Wilson, and sister and brother-in-law, Lucille Wilson and Ronald Wilson.

Funeral: 11:00AM Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at Maple Lake Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, MN.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00PM Monday, August 8, 2016, with a 6:30PM prayer service at Maple Lake Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, MN.

Burial: Maple Lake Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.