Edna A (Nelson) Nothem, age 94 of Canby, MN died peacefully; surrounded by her children on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Sylvan Court Nursing Home in Canby. Memorial services will be at 10:30 am on Monday, May 11, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Canby, MN with Rev. Jeff Cooper officiating. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery, Canby, MN. Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 pm on Sunday, May 10, 2026 with Prayer Service beginning at 6:45pm at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN and will resume Monday, one hour prior to the service at the church. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Edna Aileen (Nelson) Nothem was born on September 3, 1931, in Balaton, MN to parents John and Vendla (Vieman) Nelson. She grew up on the family farm southwest of Balaton, and attended school district #79, graduating in 1948 from high school in Balaton, MN. Edna was one of 13 children. Edna loved her family; her greatest joy was visiting with her children and extended family. She was always ready for an adventure, going anywhere with those she loved. A road trip included polka music, checking out the crops and a good lunch along the way. Edna also had a passion for music. Not only could she play several instruments (guitar, piano and accordion) but she played by ear and didn’t read notes. Edna loved going to dances, especially polka dancing with her favorite music provided by the Larry Olsen Band/Lake Benton MN. In addition to music, Edna loved being outdoors and going for walks. Once she entered the Sanford Health Sylvan Court, she took up a new hobby of painting, which she found a great joy in doing. Birds were of interest to Edna and she painted several portraits which were proudly displayed in her room, her family’s walls as well as in the gallery at Sanford. What people will remember most about Edna was her sense of humor, kindness, and that she could make you laugh with her quick-witted comebacks. She was also very generous, practical, and possessed a grateful spirit. She really cared about the people in her life and expressed her love of life with laughter and appreciation for those around her. A couple of Edna’s favorite quotes were: “It’s all what you make it” and “Tide and Time wait for no man”. Edna was married to the love of her life Donald R. (Gunner) Nothem on December 23, 1955. To this union 6 children were born. The Nothem’s purchased the Canby Corral Drive-Inn which they owned and operated for 18 years. After the sale of the business, they moved their family to a farm 7 miles west of Canby. Edna worked at the Canby Community Health System for over 10 years before retiring. After the death of her husband Don in 1981, Edna met and married Marvin Kasemodel. They lived on a farm near Brandt, South Dakota before moving to Watertown, South Dakota and then returned to Edna’s family farm in the 90’s.
Edna is survived by her 6 children, Donald S Nothem, Rapid City SD., Deborah (Doug) Full, Canby MN., Brenda (Gary) Denelsbeck, Porter, MN., Steven (Kelli) Nothem, Gilcrest, CO., Robert Nothem, Anchorage AK, Jeffery (Nikki) Nothem, Clear Lake SD. 24 Grandchildren, 38 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great, Great Grandchildren, 1 sister Anna Marie Mortland, Marshall MN and many nieces and nephews. Edna was proceeded in death by her parents John and Vendla (Vieman) Nelson, husband Donald R Nothem, husband Marvin Kasemodel, 4 sisters, Hilda Nelson, Selma Nelson, Helen Bailey, Alice Olson, 4 brothers, Morris, Rueben, Herb and Warren Nelson , 2 infant siblings, daughter in law Teresa Nothem, granddaughter’s spouse Jason Van Engen and great grandson Jaron Kramer.
