Nancy M. Edstrom

Nancy Mae (Edwards) Edstrom, 95, of Moose Lake, MN, formerly of Reno, NV, and Keewatin, MN, died of natural causes on Monday, March 10, at Golden Horizons Assisted Living in Sandstone, MN. Her daughter Becky and son-in-law Dan were by her side when she peacefully passed away. Nancy was born June 30, 1929, in Virginia, MN, and lived in Orr, MN, until she was 18.

She spent many summers there after that, enjoying family and friends, many picnics at the beach and endless card games. Blueberry picking was her favorite summer hobby for many years. Nancy really liked the tourist town of Orr, which offered jobs for young people, barn dances, polka dances, skating, swimming and such friendly people. Nancy attended college at UMD and earned her 2 year teaching degree. Several years later she returned to college at Bemidji State to earn her 4-year Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She loved teaching very much and enjoyed teaching in many different places. In Minnesota she taught in Biwabik, Mt. Iron, Chisholm, Bemidji, Mahtomedi, Robbinsdale, Columbia Heights, Osseo and Mt. Iron/ Buhl. She also taught in Cleveland, Ohio and Reno, Nevada. Her last teaching job before retiring was in Reno, NV, at a private Catholic school, where she was awarded a place in the Who’s Who of Americas Teachers. After retiring, Nancy moved back to MN with her husband Russell and lived in Moose Lake to be close to their daughter Becky and her family.

Nancy’s greatest joys and loves were her family and friends. She spent many enjoyable times with her husband of 50 years, sharing countless road trips, moving, casinos, and mostly enjoying their family, whom she loved with all her heart. She spent many hours playing with her grandchildren and then great grandchildren, whom she talked about often to anyone who would listen. She also enjoyed all of her walks around town with her faithful dog Ginger. Nancy loved fun and would always choose fun over work, saying “work....I’ll think about that tomorrow”.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Muriel Edwards, her husband of 50 years Russell Edstrom, her siblings Marjorie (Claude) Lakoskey, Billy (Francis Ofsted) Edwards, Bette (Earl) Miller, and Tom Edwards. Also Niece Mary Margaret Lakoskey, and all of her brothers and sister in laws and their spouses.

She is survived and deeply missed by loving daughter Becky (Dan) Dougherty, Grandchildren Samantha (Steve) Peloquin and great grandchildren Madden and Beckham, Nicholas (Daisy) Dougherty and their expected baby boy and Hannah Dougherty Sister in law Loretta Edwards and many loving nieces and nephews. Many thanks to Golden Horizons Assisted Living and Ecumen Hospice staff for their loving care and support during Nancy’s time with them. We are so grateful to them.

A celebration of life will be held at Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, MN on March 15, 2025 at 11:00 am with a gathering afterwards at the same location.