Caroline J. Nelson

Caroline Jessie Nelson, age 88, passed away Friday, August 26, 2016 at Azura Memory Care in Monroe WI. She was born May 24, 1928 in Chippewa Falls, WI to Max and Jessie (Otto) Lanzer. She met the love of her life on a blind date and married Elmer “Sandy” Nelson, Jr. on March 1, 1952. She attended Bloomer High School and Stout State University followed by teaching science and home economics in the Manitowoc, New Auburn and Bloomer schools. Her quiet grace allowed her to be the secret “gossip columnist” of the Stout campus newspaper, which led her to becoming the first female editor of the Stoutonia. With five children, she managed to return to UW-Stout to pursue graduate studies in Nutrition, after which she then managed dietary services at Sacred Heart Hospital until her retirement. She was a member of the Bloomer Eastern Star and New Auburn American Legion Auxiliary.

Caroline will be remembered for her many talents in cooking, gardening, and sewing, using her artistic creativity to add fun to many home-made projects. Chickadees and hummingbirds were her favorite birds. She was a quiet and humble person who liked to stand back and encourage others and could concisely share her wisdom. As a loving mother, she supported and encouraged each of her children to pursue their individual gifts and talents.

Caroline is survived by four daughters: Helene (Dan) Dubay of Bel Air MD, Amy (David) Johnson of Monroe WI, Evelyn (Jim) Elliott of Lee’s Summit MO, and Laura (John) Roszak of Sheboygan Falls WI. She also leaves five grandchildren: Christopher Dubay, Jonathan Dubay, Timothy Dubay, Owen Johnson and Melodie Johnson and two great-grandchildren: Aleczander and Isabella Johnson as well as many sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; son: Scott Nelson; sister: Helene Lanzer; brother: Louis Lanzer and special pets: Poncho and Max.

Funeral services will be held at Olson’s Funeral Home in Bloomer WI on Saturday, September 3, 2016. Visitation will start at 10:00 am with memorial service at 12:00 pm. Interment will take place after the service at Bloomer Cemetery. The family would like to give special thanks to Paulette Williams and the staff of Azura Memory Care in Monroe who gave their hearts, love and time to Mom over the past 10 years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bloomer/New Auburn Food Pantry or Mayo Clinic –Department of Development for Alzheimer’s research.