Carol Ruth Nelson, 81, of Owatonna, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Countryside in Owatonna. She was born May 29th, 1932 in Avon, SD the daughter of Albert and Minnie (Schroder) Giedd. She moved to Owatonna with her family in 1945. She graduated from Owatonna High School in 1949. She went to Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD. She married Harold R. Nelson in 1954. She attained her BS and Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education in Mankato MN. Her first year of teaching was in rural South Dakota. She later taught in rural Steele County and Wayzata MN before teaching 30 years in Owatonna. She retired from teaching in 1992. She was a member of 1st Baptist church in Avon, SD. She joined 1st Baptist Church in Owatonna in 1945. She has been an active member serving the church in various capacities during the membership. Her main passion in life was teaching in any capacity. She is survived by son Rodney (Mary) Nelson, Owatonna, MN; daughter, Lori Stockwell, Fargo, ND; 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and sister, Bonnie Christensen. Lake City, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold, infant son Anthony Al Nelson, 1 brother and 2 sisters. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna on Friday December 13, 2013 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held December 14, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home, with a visitation one hour prior. The Reverend Cindy Halvorson will be officiating. Interment will be at the Meadow Ridge Cemetery in Faribault. Visitation: 12/13/2013 16:00 12/13/2013 07:00 Service: 12/14/2013 11:00