Mary Ellen Nelson

Mary Ellen Nelson 84, of LaCrosse, formally of Viroqua, died September 22, 2012 Mary Ellen Nelson 84, of LaCrosse, formally of Viroqua, passed away peacefully September 22, 2012. Her daughter was by her side as she took her final breaths and went home to be with her Lord. Mary Ellen was born October 8, 1927 in Edgerton, WI to Ernest and Lula May North. She graduated from Edgerton High School in 1945 and from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater in 1949. She married her high school sweetheart on January 28th 1950 in Decorah, Ia. To those who knew Mary Ellen, her life was truly a gift of love and faith. She witnessed her Christianity throughout her life with her generosity and service to others. She was a mentor and a teacher, a reader and a leader, a baker and a hostess, an encourager and a friend. Mary Ellen left a legacy of faithfulness. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Reverend Robert Nelson, February 4, 1991 and by an infant grandchild. She is survived by her brother, Arthur (Gwen) North of Miami, Florida. She is also survived by her 6 children; Milli (Rod) Popp, Melbourne, Australia; David (Cindy) Nelson, Huntley, Il; Dr. Sharon (Barry) Branvold, Grand Forks, ND; Linda (Dr. Bruce) Retterath, Grand Rapids, MI; Barb (Denny) Buss, Green Cove Springs, Fl; Deb (Pete) Bemis, LaCrosse, WI; twelve grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A celebration of Mary Ellens life will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday September 27th 2012 at Central Lutheran Church, Edgerton, WI. A burial service will follow at Jensen Cemetery in Edgerton, WI. Friends may call at the church on Thursday after 9:00 a.m. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.