Lisa Marie Nelson, age 54, of Manitowoc, passed away on Sunday March 16, 2025 after a courageous and inspiring two year fight with brain cancer.
The former Lisa Mrotek was born December 7, 1970 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a daughter of Harriet Mrotek and the late Joseph Mrotek. She was married February 11, 1992 to Barry Nelson of Wausau, Wisconsin. The couple were married 33 years at the time of her death.
Lisa was a 1988 graduate of Lincoln HS, obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She was a retired Army Reserve Master Sergeant with 2 combat deployments and a proud member of the Manitowoc County Board of Realtors and Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish.
Survivors include her mother Harriet (Schmidt) Mrotek, sisters JoAnne Johnson and Theresa Schneider and brothers Tom Mrotek and John Mrotek. Her brother David Mrotek preceded her in death. Lisa also has many wonderful nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.
The public and especially members of Lisa’s health care team are invited to attend a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi on Marshall, 1114 S. 21st Street, Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Jason Blahnik. Following the service, Lisa will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Manitowoc. Military honors will be accorded by AMVETS Post 99 of Manitowoc. All are welcome to greet the family and join them for a luncheon to follow at the Eagles Club, 823 Hamilton Street, Manitowoc.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lisa’s name to Pink Heels or any other local cancer benefit or charity.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the Nelson family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
She was comforted and motivated by the gift of Eternal Life and Peace through God and his Son Jesus Christ.
“To the exceptional medical staff at Aurora hospitals in Manitowoc and Milwaukee, Northwestern Medical in Chicago and Sharon Richardson Hospice and her Niece Tammy Schneider, you are saints in disguise.” Lisa and the family wanted you to know that your care and professionalism was just wonderful. You made a difficult situation more than bearable.
“To my wonderful family and friends who read this; Don’t be sad that I passed away from this Earth. For in your memories and love for one another I live on here on Earth. Continue to be wonderful human beings, work hard, serve one another and most importantly serve God. I lived a wonderful life full of adventure and meaning. Trust and serve God so that we may see each other again in the next life. Consider this a free coupon to attend church regularly and with an open heart.”
