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Gayle Nelsen Obituary
ATTENTION!!!!!!
Due to the severe weather in Duluth, Gayle's family has made the decision to postpone her funeral.
-Visitation Thursday 2/19 4-6 pm @ Dougherty Funeral Home
-Services Friday 2/20 10 am visitation until 11:00 am funeral @ Concordia Lutheran Church 2501 Woodland Avenue
Gayle Dahlgren Nelsen, Hermantown, MN, age 89 entered into eternal rest on January 31, 2026. Born August 9,1936, in Grand Rapids, MN to Elmer and Cordelia (Jewett) Dahlgren.
Gayle was best known for her welcoming, selfless and generous heart. She enjoyed gardening, all of her beloved dogs, entertaining and playing cribbage. Most of all, she cherished spending time with her family whom she loved fiercely. Her culinary skills were a gift and sharing them was a testament to her spirit. She was an avid UMD Hockey and Vikings fan and enjoyed attending all of her grandchildren’s activities. She was a faithful member of Concordia Lutheran Church for nearly 50 years.
After graduating from Grand Rapids High School Gayle worked as a Dental Assistant. She then worked as a Personal Caregiver in Duluth for nearly 40 years. Many individuals and families were grateful recipients of her loving, gentle, patient, and caring heart.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters Sharron Capece, Alanna Strand and Judy Jensen.
She is survived by children; Scott Nelsen, significant other (Laurie Rautio), Jeff Nelsen, Patti (Gary) Madison, sister; Marilyn Hahne, grandchildren; Katy, Joseph, Eric (Sainty) Nelsen, Sophie, Lily Nelsen, John, Melissa (Connor) Kanuit, Thomas (Amber) Madison, 4 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation Wednesday February 18, 2026, from 4:00-6:00pm at the Dougherty Funeral Home and will continue from 10:00am to 11:00am Memorial Service at Concordia Lutheran Church, 2501 Woodland Ave, on Thursday February 19, 2026.
Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St, Duluth MN 55805, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.
Memorials preferred to Concordia Lutheran Church.
A live-stream will be made availabe via the Dougherty Funeral Home Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dfhduluth
600 E. Second Street, Duluth, MN 55805
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