Karen Noreen Nelson

Karen Noreen Nelson, 96, of Astoria, died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, in Lincoln City.

She was born Feb. 18, 1916, in West Point, Neb., to Nels and Valeska (Schroeder) Pedersen.

After she graduated from high school, the family moved to Silverton in September 1936.

In June 1941, she married Seymour Nelson. He preceded her in death in July 1979.

Mrs. Nelson was a “Rosie the Riveter” from 1941 to 1944 when she and her husband worked in the shipyards in Portland during World War II. In 1956, the couple bought a dairy farm in Independence. In 1986, she moved to Astoria and started the Columbia River Inn Bed & Breakfast at age 70. She remodeled a Victorian home and ran her bed and breakfast until she was 86.

Family members said she enjoyed traveling to Europe, taking several cruises and many trips within the U.S. She was an avid crafter and woodworker.

She is survived by two daughters, Zona Nelson of Lincoln City and Renee Caldwell of Astoria; a granddaughter, Amanda Rohne and her husband, Dirk, of Brownsmead; and a great-grandson, Kirk Rohne of Brownsmead.

She was preceded in death by a twin brother and sister.

A private graveside service with vault interment was held Monday at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Samaritan Health Services, Home Health/

Hospice, P.O. Box 767, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.caldwells mortuary.com