Donna Mae Nelson, age 80, of Frederic and formerly of Shell Lake and Danbury, died on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin after a brief illness.

Donna Mae was born on April 14, 1939, in Ellsworth, Wisconsin to parents William Alexander and Rosella Marie (Wagner) Northey.  She attended and graduated from Ellsworth Public Schools in 1957, and then moved to St. Paul, Minnesota where she worked for Brown and Bigelow for 6 years and was honored as employee of the year.  On October 22, 1964, she was united in marriage to Melverd Nelson of Danbury, and to this union, 2 children were born- Rosanna Lynn and Melverd Johan.   Together they would work the family farm for 28 years until Mel’s death on May 2, 1991.  Donna Mae then worked for WXCE and WGMO radio stations in Shell Lake and would eventually leave the farm in Danbury and moved to Bashaw Twp near Shell Lake to be closer to work. She continued to work for the radio until her retirement at the age of 72.  A few years after her retirement, due to health reasons, she left her home near Shell Lake and moved to Frederic Health and Rehab in Frederic, Wisconsin, where she was a resident up until the time of her death. 

While farming, Donna Mae also enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Pansy Homemakers.  She loved reading, knitting, and was a member of the Church of the Nazarene Faith in Danbury where she served on the Board for several years.    

Donna Mae is survived by her children: Rosanna (Gary Nerby) Starks of Webster, WI, Melverd (Vickie) Nelson of Luck, WI, grandchildren: Tyler (Danielle), Andrew, and Nathan Starks, Ashley (Eric) Blake, Jason and Danielle Nelson, great grandchildren Aubrieyl and Liam, brother and sisters: Gilbert (Sharon) Northey, Dorothy Schenk, and Karen (Jim) Blue and many other extended family and friends.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, husband Mel.

Funeral services for Donna Mae Nelson will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the Church of the Nazarene Faith in Danbury with Pastor Brian Pardun officiating.  Visitation will be at the Church on Saturday from 10-11am.  Interment will follow at the Danbury Cemetery. 

Casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Tyler, Jason, Andrew, Danielle, Ashley, and Kent Thill.

Donna Mae’s family extends a sincere thank you the St. Croix Medical Center and Frederic Nursing and Rehab for the care she received.

Last Update: May 10, 2019 11:21 am CDT