Charlotte Ann Adaire Nelson

Charlotte Ann Adaire Nelson, 81, of 912 W. Ludington St. in Iron Mountain, passed away on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford. She was born Nov. 25, 1930, in Mastodon Township, on her grandparent's (Johnson) farm, daughter of the late Martin and Crystal (Johnson) Martinson. Charlotte graduated from Forest Park High School in 1948, and lived in this area for most of her life. She had a wonderful Christian upbringing with lots of love and laughter. Charlotte was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church (now United Lutheran Church) in Crystal Falls. She married the love of her life, Paul Nelson, on Feb. 19, 1949, in Decorah, Iowa. Charlotte's dream was always to become a nurse but was unable to fulfill that dream due to a lack of funds for college. However, she spent 10 years as a nurse's aide at Dickinson County Hospital, a job she truly loved. She was blessed with the heart of a caregiver, which was evident throughout her entire life. Charlotte was a volunteer at Family Ties Adult Day Care Center for several years and also cared for several family members in their golden years. She was a faithful member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. She enjoyed cooking and had many special recipes that she shared with family and friends. She also enjoyed musical concerts and other activities that her grandchildren were involved in. Charlotte loved to tell stories and reminisce with family about times past. She had a very special relationship with her sister, Marlene and loved their visits together. Her greatest joy was to see the love of Jesus in those around her. Charlotte is survived by her husband, Paul; three sons, Don (Pamela) Nelson of Iron Mountain, Dean Nelson of Norway, and Daryl (Sonya) Nelson of Iron Mountain; a sister, Marlene Olsen of St. Ignace; an adopted sister, Lynne Joling of Arizona; six grandchildren, Scott (Bridget) Nelson, Christopher Nelson, Sherri (Harvey) Porath, Michelle (Jeff) Backlund, John Nelson and Jessica Nelson; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She had many dear friends and extended family that were special to her and was known as a second "mom" to many people. Two of those especially close to her heart were Connie DeGroot and Mike Golfis. She was preceded in death by two sons, David Nelson in 1978 and Paul M. Nelson in 2010; a sister, Judy Martinson; and a brother, Donald Martinson. She is now reunited with these loved ones as well as with her very special cousins, Ernestine Carlson and Jeanette Patterson. Visitation will be Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the church. Rev. Stephen Cowen will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Condolences to the family of Charlotte Nelson may be expressed online at ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.