Dawn R. Nelson, age 86, longtime resident of Two Rivers, died peacefully Wednesday morning, September 12, 2018 at the Northland Lodge in Two Rivers.
Dawn was born in Green Bay on October 13, 1931 to Edward and Sophia (Hurkmann) Burckle. She was a graduate of Green Bay East High School with the class of 1950 then furthered her education at Holy Family School of Nursing in Manitowoc, earning her registered nursing degree in 1953. Dawn worked as a registered nurse for many years at Holy Family Skilled Nursing, Family Heritage Nursing Home, and retired from the Hamilton Memorial Home in Two Rivers. On July 9, 1955, she married Gerald “Jerry” Nelson in Green Bay and they had two children, Jay and Susan. Jerry preceded her in death on December 21, 2016.
Dawn was a gifted water color painter; quilter; and avid gardener. She was a longtime member of the Lakeshore Palettiers; she was active with the Two Rivers Garden Club and the Rahr West Art Museum; and served on the school board and finance committee at St. Mark’s Catholic Church.
Survivors include her children: Jay Nelson (Sherry Stout) of Two Rivers; Susan (Kevin) Kubacki of Antigo; four grandchildren: Jean Nelson and special friend, Bob Aspach, Andrew Nelson, Rebecca and Marnie Kubacki; and two great-grandchildren, Ignatz and Bobbi Jean. She is further survived by three sisters-in-law & a brother-in-law, Millie Burckle of Fond du Lac, Norma Lutzke of Two Rivers, Marion “Mitzie” Nelson of Manitowoc, and Roger Zilles of Green Bay; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Sophia Burckle; father-in-law & mother-in-law: Otto and Elsie Nelson; one brother & two sisters: Edward Burckle, Peggy (Art) Helander, Donna Zilles; and other in-laws: Jerome Nelson, Anita Nelson, Flora Roos, Preston Jones, and Leroy Lutzke.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd. Two Rivers. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Tom Reynebeau, with entombment to follow in Knollwood Chapel Mausoleum, Hwy. 310, Manitowoc.
Friends may call at the Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th St. Two Rivers, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening. Visitation will continue at the church Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.
Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Nelson family with funeral arrangements.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Robert Gahl, the entire staff at Northland Lodge, and the caregivers of Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion extended to our beloved mother and grandmother. Your kindness is very much appreciated.
