Mary J. Nelson

EAU CLAIRE - On Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, Mary J. Nelson, age 94, was welcomed into her heavenly home and reunited with her beloved husband of 68 years.

For a short time, Heritage Court Memory Care in Eau Claire was Mary's home, but before that, Mary and Donald were lifelong residents of Bloomer, where they raised their three boys. Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a loyal and strong support for her family. They were her greatest source of joy and pride.

Don's garden and Mary's cooking ensured that her family, and anyone else that was fortunate enough to come to her table, were blessed. Mary was a committed member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Bloomer. She spent as much time in the church kitchen serving her church family as she served her own. Mary was fond of quoting one of her mother's favorite sayings: "Anything worth doing is worth doing well." This characterized the way that Mary lived.

Mary was preceded in death by: her parents, Ben and Loretta (Tormey) Broeren; her husband, Donald; one brother, Jean Broeren; one sister, Cecil Henneman; and one daughter-in-law, Deon Nelson.

She is survived by: three sons, Bill (Lisa) Nelson of Lakeville, Minn., Chuck (Marilyn) Nelson of Eau Claire, and Tom (Mimi) Nelson of Houlton, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Lesley (Dan) Bauer of New Richmond, Wis., Kris (Ed) Geissler of Wenzenbach, Germany, David (Leslie) Nelson of Lake Elmo, Minn., Laura (Craig) Paulson of St. Paul, Minn., Julie (Kurt) Krumenauer of Edina, Minn., Eric Nelson of Chicago, Ill., David (Emily) Nelson of Stillwater, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Florence "Tudy" Peterson of Amery; great-grandchildren, Hanna and Ingrid Nelson, Liesel and William Geissler, Anna, Grace and Jon Paulson, Kylie and Elle Krumenauer, Logan Flod; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Nelson family would like to express their appreciation to Mary's wonderful friends from Our Savior's Lutheran Church who showed their support and kindness through cards and visits, to the staff of Heritage Court for their help and care, and to the compassionate neighbors and others who reached out and looked out for Mary in the difficult days and months after Donald's death. We especially want to thank Becky Splett for her special friendship and generosity.

A funeral service will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Bloomer on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Susan Anderson and Rev. Bill Hamel officiating. A visitation will be held one hour before services at the church. Interment will be in the Scandinavian Cemetery.

Olson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com

In lieu of flowers memorials directed to Ours Savior's Lutheran Church would be preferred.

Mary J. Nelson