Blossom Bettie (Luhrsen) Nelson, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Anchorage on March 4, 2013. She was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Sept. 24, 1918, to Gustav and Minnie Luhrsen. On April 8, 1939, she married George Nelson and from there the five Nelson girls were born.

Blossom and George were a proud military family and were transferred to Fort Richardson in May 1966. They lived in various places in the United States and overseas. One of Blossom’s favorite stories was taking a troop ship to Okinawa in 1951 with five little girls in tow to meet up with George. She was seasick nine of the 11 days and vowed never to travel by water again. She loved to fly and traveled many places throughout her life. Her favorite place above all was living in Anchor Point where she and George “lived their dream.”

After her husband retired from the Army in 1970, George and Blossom lived in Anchorage for four years and then moved to Anchor Point in 1974. They were the original Anchor Point Traders, a store they ran for four years where you could buy anything from furniture to fishing tackle. They loved to fish, especially for salmon at Whiskey Gulch.

Blossom left the following note to her family: “To those I love and those who love me: When I am gone, release me, let me go — I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears; be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love; you can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, but now it’s time I travel on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. I won’t be far away for life goes on, if you need me call, I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near and if you listen within your heart you will hear me. All of my love around you, soft and clear and then when you must come this way alone I’ll greet you with a smile and a welcome home.”

Blossom is survived by five daughters: Carolyn (Robert) Hayes of Vienna, Mo.; MaryEllen (Henry) Wansing of Vienna, Mo.; Judy Yeary of Vienna, Mo.; Virginia (Robert) Perry; and Georgia (Louie) Monzon of Anchorage; 16 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her brother Donald Luhrsen (Doris), sister Dolores McNiff, and sister-in-law Ruth Luhrsen; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Blossom was preceded in death by her husband George Nelson, son-in-law James Yeary and grandson Stephen Nelson Wansing.

Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Mo., and she will be put to rest at Bethlehem Cemetery. Blossom was baptized, confirmed and married at Zion and made yearly visits to Harvest Home in November. She was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod her entire life and is resting at peace with her Lord. Blossom and George were charter members of Faith Lutheran in Homer and Blossom was currently a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

If you would like to consider a donation in memory of Blossom, please send to the charity of your choice or to Faith Lutheran Church, 1000 Soundview Ave., Homer, AK 99603.

Arrangements were by to Legacy Funeral Homes-Witzleben Chapel, Anchorage.