Esther M. Nelson, 86, of Francesville, died Saturday, June 7, 3003 at Rensselaer Care Center, Rensselaer.

She was born at San Pierre on August 15, 1916, to Julius Max and Emma Steinke Howiesen. She married Lawrence L. Nelson at Delphi on December 2, 1934. He survives.

She was a lifetime resident of Francesville.

She was a 1934 graduate of Medaryville High School.

She was a member of the Francesville United Methodist Church, the U.M.W. United Methodist Women, a 50-year member of Order of Eastern Star No. 310, Medaryville; the Salem Home Ec. Club, an auxiliary member of the Moose No. 906, Monticello and the Rook Card Club.

Surviving with her husband are a son Keith M. Nelson of Lafayette; two daughters, Carol A. Edwards of Sarasota, Fla., and Susan K. Spear of Monticello; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services were Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at Querry-Ulbricht Funeral Home. Burial was in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorials may be made to the Francesville United Methodist Church or the American Heart Association.