Jean Nelson
December 6, 1952 - November 24, 2022
Lillian Jean Nelson, age 69, of New Prague, died peacefully, with her family at her side, on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Jean was born on December 6, 1952 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Donald Paul and Betty Jean (Johnson) Katz. She grew up and attended schools in Huron and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, until she met Donald Wayne Nelson at a drive-in movie and fate intervened. It was love at first sight and Don knew that very night that Jean would become his bride; 6 months later, they married on June 29, 1968 in Sioux Falls. The couple moved to Minneapolis not long after marrying, spent some years in Bloomington, and finally settled on Cedar Lake in New Prague in 1988. Don partnered with the Pomije’s at Strike Force Bowl, which fed Jean’s love of bowling; she was a member of numerous leagues over the years. Jean worked in management positions in various endeavors while raising their three children, and was most recently a long-time employee of European Roasterie.
Jean was a woman of many talents, most of which brought out her creative side. She was an accomplished ceramic artist. She was proficient in crocheting, needlepoint, and sewing and was responsible for her family’s “award-winning” dance and Halloween costumes; she made all the granddaughters’ dresses for her daughter’s wedding. She loved gardening and cooking and was a voracious reader of romance novels, always ending her day with a book before going to bed. Jean was a strong woman, rising to any challenge (having born three children by age 21) and yet possessed a kind, caring heart, that saw her generous to a fault. She embraced life and it’s challenges and taught her family how to meet them with grace and determination. Her fierce but gentle spirit will be missed by her family and all who knew her.
Jean is survived by her loving husband of 54 years and best friend , Don, of New Prague; children, Alan (John Finney) Nelson of St. Joseph, MI, Mike (Candie) Nelson of New Prague, Chantel (Dustyn) Nelson of New Prague; grandchildren, Alycia (Josh) Kocina, Lindsey (Brad) Weiers, Natalie, Madison, & Emily Nelson; great-grandchildren, Brock, Kelson, & Kaisley; siblings, Connie (Harold) Fiferlick of Sioux Falls, SD, Nita (Ted) Mandery of Sioux Falls, SD, Kelvin (Twila) Katz of Reno, NV, Christy (Charles) Vallas of Elizabeth City, NC. She is preceded in death by her parents; step-dad, Erwin Rans.
A celebration of life visitation will be held Monday, November 28, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home, with a brief service at 1:00.
Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady though I haven’t seen her in awhile I will always remember all the great times we used to have Rest In Peace my friend you were loved and you will be missed
So sorry for your loss, we are keeping all of the family in our thoughts
Don and Family Our condolences to all of you in the loss of your loved one. She was an amazing sister. A sister who would do anything for you. I will cherished the memories of growing up with her and the trips to Reno car shows and visiting our brother Kelvin and Twila. She had so many talents and loved to sew. I miss all the coffee she brought to us thru out the years. She was proud of her flowers. A sister who had love for all. Always wonder how your family and kids are. A sister with a… Read more »
We’re very saddened to hear this.Jean was a wonderful person.
I worked with her for many years at European Rosterie. We had lots of fun of course after work. We will keep your family in our hearts and prayers.
So very sorry for your loss. Jean was one of the first bowlers I ever bowled with and she taught me a lot about the sport. She was a very wonderful woman
My love and prayers go out to the entire family. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Much love, Melissa Barnett
So sorry for your lose
Absolutely beautifully written. Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Jean was a beautiful person whose magnificent spirit, warm heart, and endearing smile will remain in our hearts forever. God Bless you all. Hugs and Love, Mark and Nita