Vernelda Leona Edwards

Vernelda “Nellie” (Lendt) Edwards, age 89, of Mankato, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Ecumen Pathstone of Mankato.

Private graveside service will be held at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Mankato. Public memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, or Ecumen Pathstone Living of Mankato.

Nellie was born on October 24, 1936, in Sleepy Eye to Arthur and Leona (Peterman) Lendt. She graduated from Sleepy Eye High School with the Class of 1954. She went on to attend nursing school in New Ulm, graduating from the nursing program there in 1955. As a nurse, she met Harvey “Skip” Edwards, Jr., and they were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye on July 1, 1959.

She worked as a nurse for ten years, first at Union Hospital in New Ulm, then at Immanuel-St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mankato. Together with her husband, they started Viking Driving School and Viking Fire and Safety. After many years operating their family businesses, Nellie went on to work at Old Main Village and enjoyed the many friendships she made there. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Mankato for many years, serving on various committees and women’s groups. Her hobbies included flower gardening, crafting ceramics, and keeping stats and cheering on her favorite Minnesota sports teams – especially the Vikings and Twins.

Nellie is survived by her four children; Robin Edwards, Ron Edwards, Dawn (Dan) Edwards-Wiebe, and Tammy (Jon) Dummer; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, with one on the way; brother, Chuck (LeAnn) Lendt; sister, Arlene Englebrecht; sister-in-law, Rosemary Lendt. She was preceded in death by her husband, Skip; one still-born baby daughter; her parents; her brothers, Ervin Lendt and Arno (Orpha) Lendt; and brother-in-law, Herb Englebrecht.

Nellie’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to the thoughtful staff at Pathstone Living and Moments Hospice for their compassionate care.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

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