Donna Jean Nelson

Donna Jean Nelson passed away at the age of 82; May 31st,2018 at Ecumen of North Branch surrounded by family.

Donna was born February 7, 1936 to Anthony and Marguerite (Johnson) Annoni in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While Donna was in school, she worked as a bank teller. She was extremely intelligent and was able to skip the 10th grade; graduating from North High School in Minneapolis when she was only 16 years old.

On August 4, 1954, Donna was married to Hamlin S. Nelson in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. They were married for 64 years. She worked for Plastech Corporation of Rush City, as a System's Analyst and Accountant for many years.

Donna was known as "Mrs. Clean" and their friends used to tease her that they could stop over anytime and eat off her floors. She learned to cook from her Italian grandmother and she was an amazing cook/baker. Donna loved to swim, spend time with family and friends and loved animals. She always had an animal in her arms when they were around. Donna was very witty, funny and always had a beautiful smile on her face.

Donna and Ham loved to travel. They never missed their children's football, basketball, track and volleyball games. They continued that tradition of following their grandchildren in their interests, as well. Donna entertained the coaches and their wives after football games, and had huge family get-togethers at their home on Cross Lake in Pine City.

Donna is survived by her husband Hamlin Nelson of North Branch; children James H. (Laurie) Nelson, Thomas H. (Jodi) Nelson all of Spicer, Lori Ann (David Janzen) Nelson of Rush City; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; brother Tony (Cece) Annoni of Plymouth; sisters Phyllis (Pastor Tom) Benigas of Florida, Melody (Pastor Rod) Carlson of Eagan; sisters-in-law Mary Annoni of Elk River, Ruth Annoni of Northfield and Kathy Annoni of Maple Grove; many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Anthony and Marguerite Annoni; twin brothers Robert and Dick Annoni and brother Jim Annoni.

Pastor Glen Bickford will officiate at funeral services for Donna: 11 AM; Wednesday (6/6) at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City. A time of visitation and reviewal is planned from 5-7 PM; Tuesday (6/5) at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place in Hilltop Cemetery, Pine City.

Memorial designations may be directed to:
Alzheimer’s Association
225 North Michigan Avenue
Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601
www.alz.org

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City - Olson Chapel. www.FuneralAndCremationService.com