Jean Claire (Samuelson) Nelson

Jean Claire Nelson, 89, of Strum, WI died Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Osseo, WI, she was born July 19, 1932 in Minneapolis, MN; daughter of George and Inez (Gunderson) Samuelson.

On June 10, 1950 she married Weston Nelson.   Together they raised their eight children and made their home in Strum.  Weston proceeded her in death by just a few short weeks, passing on April Twenty-second. 

At the tender age of ten Jean lost her father to illness.  The oldest of four siblings, Jean’s course as a caregiver was set.  Starting at a young age helping with her two younger sisters and brother, to raising her eight children until the youngest started school, and culminating with over twenty years caring for the elderly as a CNA at the Strum Nursing Home.  Her calm demeanor, loving and reassuring personality were perfect traits for the lady that so many leaned on.

After the passing of Jeans father her family moved back Strum to be closer to her mothers family.  Jean graduated from Strum High School, just prior to the schools consolidation with Eleva.

Jean was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Strum. Over the years taught Sunday School, Summer Bible School, assisted with confirmation classes, was active with the lady’s groups, and loved the fellowship from making apple pies to Bible Study at her church, all brought together under the umbrella of her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Besides her family, Jean enjoyed traveling, trips to Norway, the Bahamas, different states, and to the homes of her children were highlights for her. Otherwise, simple things in life from holding a grandchild, watching a humming bird or a cardinal at the feeder, her flowers, keeping up with family and friends, or a game of Words with Friends, suited her just fine.

Jean will be deeply missed by those who survive her, her children, Claudia (David) Sather of Wabasha, MN, Kent (Karen) Nelson of Strum, WI, Matthew (Ronnette) Nelson of Strum, WI, Bradley (Lisa) Nelson of Sheboygan Falls, WI, Roderick (Gena) Nelson of Sheboygan, WI, Melissa (Joe) Dirker of Howard’s Grove, WI, Melinda (Chad) Schultz of Onalaska, WI, daughter-in-law, Sharon Nelson of Osseo; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Judy Haukeness, Lois Hulberg; sister-in-law, Connie Samuelson; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Weston; father, George; mother, Inez (Hubert) Rice; son, Kim Nelson, infant son, Kelly Nelson; brother, Donald Samuelson; brothers-in-law, Russ Schauf, Don Haukeness and Edgar Hulberg.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 20, 2022 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Strum, WI with Rev. Valerian Ahles officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until time of services at the church on Friday. Burial will be at West Beef River Cemetery.

Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home in Eleva, WI is assisting the family. To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean Claire (Samuelson) Nelson, please visit our floral store.