Nina Lea (Carrier) Nelson, age 48 of Eden Valley, MN, passed away February 28, 2020.

She was born on October 1, 1971 in Wiesbaden, Germany to James and Linda (Gustafson) Carrier. Nina grew up in various places Minnesota, but spent much of her later adolescence in Ankeny, Iowa. She relocated to Richfield, Minnesota where she graduated from high school with the class of 1990.

She was joined in marriage to David Nelson on August 25, 2001 in Rosemount, Minnesota. The two recently made their home in Eden Valley.

Nina loved taking care of children and started her own daycare out of her home. She had a caring heart, warm personality, and always went above and beyond to make sure the children’s needs were met. Her genuine and loving manner made her the perfect foster mother; a role she felt proud to take on. She and David fostered many adolescent youth throughout the years, and she enjoyed every moment raising them. They adopted Bryce from foster care in 2013.

She was known for her quick wit and fun sense of humor. She enjoyed crafts and watching any movie that starred Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson!

Nina is preceded in death by her father, James; grandma, June Carrier; grandpa, Albert Carrier; and aunt, Kathy Gustafson.

She is survived by her loving husband, David; son, Bryce Christopher; mother, Linda; sister, Tonja (Rob) Lund; brothers, Shaun (Sandy) Carrier, James (Katharina) Carrier, and Radley Howell; grandparents, Harold (Elvera) Gustafson and Betty Gustafson; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; dogs, Princess, Brody, and Pacer; and salamanders, Sally and Mander.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 2 PM with visitation one hour prior at Word of Peace Church in Rogers, Minnesota. Interment at Hanover Cemetery in Hanover, Minnesota. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael.

Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com