Eugenia "Jean" Schoon

Eugenia “Jean” Marie Nelson was born June 19, 1953 to George and Janet (Murray) Nelson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated with the class of 1971 from Totino-Grace High School in Minneapolis.

Jean married Harvey Schoon on March 28, 1981 in Elk River, Minnesota. They began their marriage farming in the Motley area until 1983 when they purchased a farm of their own in Verndale. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters: Crystal in 1984 and Stacey in 1987.

In 1991, Jean graduated from culinary school at Central Lakes College and was honored as Student of the Year. She went on to create a thriving catering business supplying large events, occasion cakes, and holiday cookies. Jean would say that the real triumph of her business was that it allowed her the privilege of staying home with her girls and making her home.

Beginning in 1992, Jean and Harv merged with Harv’s brother Dave and his wife Jacki to expand their dairy farm into one of the largest dairy operations in the area. They flourished there together for many years.

When Jean’s first granddaughter arrived in 2013, her world was transformed, and when another followed in 2014, she officially became “Nana.” Jean was smitten and became a regular caregiver for both girls, traveling to the Twin Cities and back to split her time between the two. A grandson arrived the following year winning her heart over in a new way.

Jean and Harvey continued farming in Verndale until 2017 when they decided to downsize from a large conventional dairy to a small direct-to-consumer business. They traveled to Arizona to try this new venture. It was quite successful, but, with two new grandchildren on the way, Jean felt the call to return home.

Upon returning to MN, they bought a small farm in the Hillman area in 2020 where they built Healthy Harvest Farm & Kitchen, a direct-to-consumer beef and dairy farm with an on-site farm market and pie shop where Jean once again excelled at her culinary craft.

Perhaps Jean’s greatest talent in life was making friends. Whether siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, schoolmates, co-workers, neighbors, or complete strangers, Jean had a knack for connecting with others in a deep, enduring way. A niece said it best: “Jean’s love is her legacy.”

On June 4, 2024, Eugenia passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Verndale Alliance Church with Pastor Tony Stanley presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Luncheon will follow at Sunnybrook Park in Wadena, and all are encouraged to attend.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents George and Janet Nelson, her brothers Daniel and Mickey, and her brother-in-law Nathan Werner; her father-in-law Harold Schoon, and her brother-in-law Douglas Johnson.

Jean will be missed by her husband Harvey; daughters: Crystal (Jordan) Blommer of Cottage Grove, MN and Stacey (Mitch) Dahlvang of Verndale, MN; five grandchildren: Elle, Olivia, Harrison, Mack and Kip; sisters: Peggy Werner, Kristen Knock and Janet Nelson; brothers: George (Lucy) Nelson, Jerry Nelson and Brian (Enza) Nelson; sister-in-law Ana Nelson; mother-in-law Alice Schoon; brothers-in-law: Steven (Pam) Schoon, David (Jacki) Schoon and James (Colleen) Schoon; and sister-in-law Sharon Johnson as well as countless nieces and nephews.

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