Constance Ellen Nelson

1928 - 2024

DeForest, WI - Constance Ellen Nelson, age 95, passed away at Our House in Lodi on Friday, March 1, 2024. Connie was born on October 1, 1928, in Morrisonville, WI to Julius and Florence (Lee) Brue. She grew up in DeForest, attending a one room school and later graduated from Poynette High School in 1946. Connie married Russell M. Nelson on April 3, 1948, at Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest, where their likeness was used for a church mural. Connie was a stenographer for the MacKenzie Center/Game Farm - pheasant section, in Poynette for 33 years. She was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Poynette and Christ Lutheran in DeForest. At Christ Lutheran she was active in the Altar Guild, Quilting Group, and annual Lutefisk dinner. Connie liked rosemaling, sewing, was an avid reader, spending time at the family cottage up north, traveling with friends and relatives all over the US, Europe and Canada. Connie's rhubarb & apple pies, and her presence during family get-togethers will be greatly missed.

Connie is survived by her children, Kristine (Thomas) Manke, Kathryn Steffenhagen, and Martin (Heidi); grandchildren, Mike (Kim) Manke, Jodie (Ryan) Hughes, Andrew Steffenhagen, and Kim (Jackie) Steffenhagen; and 9 great grandchildren. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Connie is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Russell; sons, Ken and Bob; son-in-law, David Steffenhagen; and special friend LeRoy Breneman; and her siblings.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 11:00AM at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 220 South Main Street, DeForest, with Pastor Sue Beadle presiding. A visitation will be held from 9:30AM until time of service on Friday at the church. Private family burial at Hillside Cemetery in Poynette.

The family would like to thank the staff of Our House in Lodi and Brighton Hospice for their excellent care of our mother. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Our House, or Brighton Hospice. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250