Darlys Hirsch Nelson

Darlys Hirsch Nelson, age 90, of Fridley, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026.

Darlys was born April 14, 1936, to Leo & Gladys Hirsch in Napoleon, North Dakota. She graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1954 & the University of Minnesota in 1958 with a degree in Elementary Education. She was a Title 1 reading teacher in the Spring Lake Park School District for 25 years. She then volunteered with MAASFEP (Minnesota Association of Administrators of State and Federal Education Programs) and the Friends of the Kerlan at the University of Minnesota.

Darlys found great joy in sharing her musical talent playing her cornet and singing. Everything always turned into a song.

She enjoyed creating traditions for her family especially by making 3-Day Buns for every occasion. “I love to see them run into the house and straight to the kitchen to grab several buns before dinner. What joy!”

Darlys’ greatest joy was her family. She will be dearly missed by her children, Sieglinde (Ed) Grivna, Shawn (Patti) Nelson, Shantel Dow, Sheil (Beth) Nelson, and Sabrina (Steve) Olson; 17 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Darlys will be remembered for her dedication to education, her love of family, and the many lives she touched throughout her life. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters (Eileen Kraskey & Elaine Hand). 

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, September 26, 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Eagle Lake Regional Park Golfview Pavilion, 11000 Bass Lake Road, Plymouth. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to University of Minnesota Libraries, P.O. box 860266, Mpls, MN 55486 (attn: Kerlan Friends Memorial for Darlys Nelson).