Delores Jean Nelson

Delores Nelson, age 92 of Appleton, formerly of Milan, passed away Friday, January 6, 2023, in Appleton Area Health-Care Center in Appleton.  Visitation will be held 10-11 a.m., followed by the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 13, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton.  Pastor Kristine Isder will officiate.  Burial will be in Appleton City Cemetery.

Delores Jean Nelson was born September 12, 1930, to Edwin and Elizabeth (Aakre) Larson near Boyd, MN. She grew up on the family’s farm and was the third oldest of the couple’s seven children. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd. She graduated from Boyd High School in 1948 and attended St. Cloud Teachers College the following year. On March 11, 1950, Delores was united in marriage to Floyd Nelson of Appleton at Trinity Lutheran. They farmed near Holloway and raised three children. They were married for 25 years before Floyd’s sudden death of a heart attack May 30, 1975. After his death, Delores continued to live on the farm for the next ten years before moving to Milan.

Delores was active in church, 4-H, card club and sewing club. She made quilts, did needlework, and sewed Cabbage Patch dolls for her granddaughters in the 1980’s. She was in a bowling league in Appleton for many years. Delores enjoyed baking and she could always be counted on to make lefse for the holidays and church fairs. Her banana bread and chocolate chip oatmeal and sugar cookies were enjoyed by family, friends, and neighbors as she always brought “goodies” when she visited. She loved growing plants and flowers and feeding the birds.

Delores enjoyed spending summer weekends at her lake cabin on Big Stone Lake. For many years, she and her cousins attended Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa for the art festival and entertainment. She loved spending time with her family, sharing stories and playing cards.

Delores passed away Friday evening, January 6, 2023, in Appleton Area Health-Care Center.  She attained 92 years, 3 months, and 24 days of age. Delores is survived by two sons: Steve (Cathy) Nelson of St. Cloud and Lonnie Nelson of Menahga; five grandchildren: Brent (Amy) Nelson of Mora, Julie (Ivan) Nelson of Tampa, FL, Trica (Mike) Hase of Park Rapids, Tessa (Korey) Brock of Park Rapids, and Ty (Avis) Nelson of Menahga; eight great-grandchildren: Mason Palmer, Ledgyn Nelson, Owen Hase, Stratton Nelson, Marek Nelson, Kinley Hase, Bohdi Brock, and Sofia Nelson; a sister, Betty Wanke, of Milan; two brothers, Roy Larson, of Eagan, and Roger Larson of Springfield, VA; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Floyd; daughter, Brenda Nelson; sisters: Shirley Larson and Arlene Wanke; and a brother, Edwin Larson, Jr.

Delores’ family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Apple Ridge, the Appleton Care Center and CentraCare Hospice for the compassionate care given to her. Blessed be the memory of Delores Jean Nelson.