Janet M. Nelson

Obituary

Janet M. Nelson, age 90, of Deerwood, MN, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024.  She was born on March 8, 1934, in Minneapolis, MN.  Following graduation from Edina High School in 1951, Janet continued her education attending Macalester College where she earned a   B.S. in Elementary Education and met her future husband, Kenneth Nelson, on registration day.  They were married in 1956 and together raised three children; Catherine, Steven, and Margaret.  Janet was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,  always supportive of her family and an active volunteer in church, school and community committees and programs.  Committed to life long education, Janet was active in the PEO Sisterhood and the Unlimited Learning program. 

Following her teaching career, Janet worked side-by-side with her husband in their multiple business endeavors including Nelson Fabrics (Bemidji) and The Frances Shoppe (Brainerd).  Janet grew up spending summers at Bay Lake in Deerwood, Mn and she and Ken continued that tradition with their children and grandchildren ultimately retiring there.  Janet cherished time spent with her family and friends. Throughout her life she  enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., Canada, central Europe and Ireland with her husband and family. She enjoyed baking, knitting and playing cards, especially with her grandchildren.  

Janet was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Kenneth Nelson.  She is survived by her three children and their spouses, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws and many extended family and life-long friends.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Special thanks to the caring staff at Lakeside Generations in Dassel, MN for their compassionate, patient, respectful and loving care.

Memorials preferred to the Bay Lake Improvement Association and the PEO Sisterhood.  Cards or memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 776, Lester Prairie, MN, 55354.