Edith (Edie) Lee Minshall
1940-2025
Edith (Edie) Lee Minshall (nee Nelson) passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the age of 85 in Medford. We are so thankful for the life she gave us and for the many lessons we learned from her. She proudly upheld the “Nelson Women” legacy of independence, sassiness, and feistiness. She will be deeply missed. Edie was born and raised on the family farm in the township of Holway. The youngest of four, she grew up a tomboy, helping her dad run the farm. She had fond memories of running through the fields to get the cows, exploring the woods, and tending the livestock. She was active in 4-H as well as in her church.
She attended Hillside School in the township of Holway until 8th grade, going on to graduate from Medford Senior High School. She was valedictorian of the Class of 1958. She later earned her bachelor’s degree from Winona State University. She worked as a paralegal, clerical professional, church secretary, and accompanist throughout her career. She enjoyed writing and served as editor-in-chief for her husband Alan’s many sermons.
In 1958, Edie married George H. (Harlan) Adams, a high school band director. The couple had two children, Kathryn and Paul, residing in Stevens Point, and Berlin. Their family returned to Medford in 1974, when Harlan took the role of junior high school band director in the Medford Public Schools. The couple later divorced.
Edie and Alan Minshall were married in 1983, merging their ministry and their two families. They served parishes in Pepin, and Independence, before returning to Medford and the family farm in the early 1990s. Edie loved her life with Alan on the farm and never tired of the sunset view from the farmhouse’s massive kitchen window. They shared a love of farming, running a small hobby farm operation, as their ministry duties together continued. Additionally, Edie provided a safe haven for the many rescue pets that found their way to the farm.
As much as she loved her home on the farm, Edie also enjoyed travel. She was able to sojourn to Israel and participate in mission trips with Alan. She loved sightseeing in the West’s mountains, strolling along the beaches in Hawaii, and reliving our nation’s history in Washington, D.C. Many fond memories were made on long road trips with family.
Edie is survived by her sister, Ellen Johnson, of Eau Claire; daughter, Kathryn Adams, of Nelson; son, Paul Nelson, of Medford; stepchildren, Jill Minshall, of Madison, Jay Minshall, of Black River Falls, Rachel (John) Frizzell, of Wisconsin Rapids and Radha (Michael) Welch, of Granton; nine grandchildren, Ariel Hayward, Sam (Nicole) Hayward, Seth Frizzell, Molly Frizzell, Emily Frizzell, Maria (Nick) Breu, Michael Welch, Brittany (Doug) Sawicki, Kaleb Minshall; two great-grandchildren, Ainsley Halverson and Amaya Sawicki.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alan Minshall; parents, Norman and Ardella Nelson; brother, Norman Nelson; and sister, Evelyn Lundberg.
The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Aspirus Care and Rehab for their dedication and commitment to Edie’s care for the past two years. We are also grateful to Hope Hospice for helping ease her final journey.
All are welcome to celebrate Edie’s life at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Holway on Friday, Oct. 3. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 1 p.m., followed by services at 2 p.m. In honor of Edie’s love of sweets, a light reception will follow. Reverend Kenneth Schmidt will officiate. Burial will follow at the adjacent cemetery, where generations of Edie’s family have been laid to rest.
Memorial contributions in Edie’s memory may be made to the Taylor County Humane Society, in honor of her lifelong love of animals.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 174771
