DORIS NELSON

Doris Jean Nelson (78) of Mora, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Doris and her twin sister Janet were born on May 26, 1945, in Cloquet, Minnesota to parents Leo and Esther (Carlson) Gardner.   She grew up in Sandstone, graduating from Sandstone High School in 1963.  After high school, Doris and Janet entered the United State Marine Corp on July 5, 1963.  She served as a key punch operator and was responsible for processing all the paychecks for the base.  She was discharged on November 12, 1965, as a Lance Corporal.

Doris returned home to Minnesota where she met Roland “Rollie” Nelson.  They were united in marriage on May 23, 1970, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sandstone.  They made their home in Mora with their two daughters, Tracey and Kara. In her younger years, Doris worked at Coast to Coast Hardware and was often sought out by customers for her vast knowledge and ability to mix paint by sight.  Doris then worked in the office of Norby Insurance, as a cashier at Dandelion Floral and Gifts, and at Target in Cambridge before retiring.

Doris was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family very much. She guided and supported her daughters in their school activities, personal endeavors, and was Kara’s 4-H leader. Her grandchildren were her prized treasures, and she cherished every moment of her time with them. Doris was extremely crafty, enjoying cross stitch, sewing, quilting and ceramic projects.  She loved gardening and tending to her many flowers.  She was a proud member of the Mora American Legion Post 201 for a number of years.  Doris had a strong faith throughout her life and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mora since 1998.  She sang in the choir, served in the women’s circle, was the funeral meal coordinator and participated in many bible studies.  She never missed a day of reading her devotionals. 

Doris is preceded in death by her parents and two infant children.

She is survived by her husband Rollie; daughters Tracey (Aaron) Olsen and Kara (Douglas) McGowan; grandchildren, Hannah Olsen, Emily Olsen, Aidan McGowan, and Riley McGowan; sisters, Eileen Neville, Janet Laytart, and Jo (Bob) Stansell; brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth (Rosemary) Nelson, and Nancy (Lynn) Osterman; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Doris will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church in Mora with Rev. Dr. Gus Schill officiating.

Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Military Honors will be provided by the Mora American Legion Post 201.

Inurnment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

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