Roberta June Nelson

Roberta June (nee Schrotenboer) Nelson, 88, was welcomed into her Savior’s loving arms on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Roberta was born on June 3, 1935, in Billings, Montana to Arthur and Christina (nee Frey) Schrotenboer. She was an only child, grew up in Montana, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1957 from Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa. On December 29, 1961, she married Brett Deuel Nelson of Mequon, Wisconsin. She loved him deeply and faithfully for 61+ years before he passed away last year. Roberta died of natural causes at her Chosen Valley Care Center residence in Chatfield, Minnesota. 

Roberta and Brett created a nurturing home where they raised three children together – Deb, Lori, and Paul. Roberta was a devoted wife and mother – always making her husband and kids a priority. For many years, she was a stay-at-home mom who worked diligently to care for her home and family. She loved compassionately, served sacrificially, supported endlessly, and lived selflessly. She submitted her life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was committed to living in a way that brought glory to God. The fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 was evident in her – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. She was an inspirational example to others!

After college, Roberta taught elementary school – initially in Whitefish, Montana and then in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Once all her children were in school, she worked at Airgas Lyons Safety as an Office Manager for over 20 years until her retirement. She volunteered in many capacities at church including: Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School director, choir member, and missionary liaison. Roberta lovingly opened her home to others – she hosted many extended family events, gave missionaries a place to stay when visiting, led children’s backyard Bible clubs, and welcomed church youth group events. Roberta and Brett were uplifted by Bill and Gloria Gaither songs and videos, and for a while they hosted three couples at weekly home Gaither viewing parties to worship together. 

Roberta was a faithful prayer warrior – she considered it an honor to pray for anyone in need and she did so daily. She had a servant heart and often “did for others” – befriending neighbors, enjoying acquaintances at the local YMCA and the Prime Minister restaurant (her and Brett’s favorite Friday date venue), and supporting dear friends. Of course, a favorite thing to do was spend time with her four grandchildren – reading, laughing, playing, talking, being silly and serious, attending their events as able, and offering unconditional love. She tried to convince her husband and kids the joy of playing pinochle but, alas, they didn’t appreciate it like she did. When she got together with her multitude of Montana cousins, however, you could see her hootin’-and-hollerin’ at the pinochle tournament tables for hours. 

One of Roberta’s favorite hymns was “To God Be the Glory” which declares: “To God be the glory, great things he has done! So loved he the world that he gave us his Son, who yielded his life an atonement for sin, and opened the life-gate that all may go in. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, let the earth hear his voice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father through Jesus the Son and give him the glory, great things he has done!” Roberta committed her life to the Lord and, because of Jesus’ death on the cross, she now is experiencing eternity in heaven and the words of this final verse: “…but purer and higher and greater will be, our joy and our wonder, when Jesus we see.”

She was a consistent example of hope and positivity! You could regularly hear her say “God is good!” – no matter what the circumstances. She will be missed greatly but, because of Christ, we do not grieve without hope – we will see her again!

Roberta is survived by her three children and their spouses: Deborah (Douglas) Huffman, Lori (Paul) Langmade, Paul (Sandy) Nelson; four grandchildren: Joshua (Anna) Langmade, Jacob Langmade, Rachel Langmade (and her fiancé Conner Glaser), Brett P. Nelson; her brother-in-law/sister-in-law Dan and Melissa Nelson, her former sister-in-law Carol Nelson, and six nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Brett Nelson, parents Arthur and Christina Schrotenboer, brother-in-law Bruce Nelson, former sister-in-law Char Nelson, and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roberta’s name to Living Hope Community Church (PO Box 501, Chatfield, MN 55923).

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Chatfield (910 Winona St SE Chatfield, MN 55923) on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.