Donna Rita Nelson

Donna Rita Nelson, 87, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 in Viewcrest Hospice. She was born in Duluth on Aug. 15, 1938 to Bertine and Delma Nesgoda. Donna graduated from Stanbrook Hall. Employment included work in medical records and sales. She was a friend of Bill W. for 53 years. Donna was an active member of Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and pro-life movement. She loved her family, friends, and faith.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Bernadine Balmer, Richard Nesgoda, Bertine “Dude” Nesgoda, Keith Nesgoda, and Rosemary Anderson.

Donna is survived by her husband Thomas Nelson, daughter Shawna (Brian) Ehlenbach, grandchildren Hannah and Nathan Ehlenbach, sister Yvonne (Frank) Layne, sister-in-law Nody Anderson, many nieces and nephews, and dear friend Pat Heinan.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Dougherty Funeral Home from 5-7PM with a 6:30PM Rosary recitation. Visitation will continue Tuesday March 3, 2026, from 10AM until the 11AM Mass of Christian Burial in Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805. 218-727-3555.