Harriet Jonason

Harriet A. Jonason, 101, Detroit Lakes, MN died Sunday, December 24, 2017 at Oak Crossing NH, in Detroit Lakes.

Memorial Services for Harriet will be held Thursday, January 4 at 1PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.

Harriet Arlene Nelson was born July 24, 1916 in Taylors Falls, MN to Axel and Anna (Peterson) Nelson.    She graduated high school in Mankato, MN.  After high school she attended nursing school at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.   Harriet was an executive secretary in Minneapolis and later in California, during WWII.   She was united in marriage to Elwood Jonason in 1943, right before he was deployed overseas to Europe.   When WWII ended, Harriet and Elwood made their home in Austin, MN and raised their four children.  In 1988, Elwood passed away.  Harriet moved to Detroit Lakes to be closer to family.  In 1994, Harriet was united in marriage to Wayne Lance.  They enjoyed travelling throughout the United States and Europe.  She also enjoyed winters in Florida and dancing whenever possible.  After Wayne passed away, Harriet moved into Lincoln Park and then to Oak Crossing NH.

Harriet was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren.  She loved travelling, dancing and swimming, which she continued until she was 92 years old.

Surviving Harriet are her four children:  Dr. Neil (Dr. Anita) Jonason of Detroit Lakes, Virginia Wimberly,of Vienna, Virginia, Suzanne (Dan) Ray of Rapid City, SD and Kristine (John) Downman of London, England.  In addition she is survived by nine grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her 1st husband Elwood and 2nd husband Wayne along with four siblings:  Kenneth, Warren, Muriel, and Patty.