Elaine Eleanore Nelson, age 88, of Rice Lake, WI, died Thursday, November 13, 2025 at her home. She was born on March 14, 1937 in Chetek, WI to Floyd and Alma (Nelson) Livingston.

Elaine graduated from Chetek High School in 1955. She was married to Donald C. Nelson on December 14, 1959 in Center City, MN. Elaine enjoyed taking care of her home, decorating, crafting, sewing, feeding the birds/squirrels & shopping for sweaters and shoes. She loved her neighbors and her neighborhood - she adored all of them and they adored her. Elaine most importantly loved her kids and grandkids and treasured all the moments and memories that they all shared together.

Elaine was a proud “stubborn Norwegian” with a vibrant, caring, and delightfully sassy personality that made anyone who crossed her path feel seen and filled with joy. She greeted every passerby and would wave farewell to every visitor. And when a child was around, she would plainly sit in the grass, hands deep in natural treasures like rocks and shells, sharing delight as if nothing else in the world mattered.

She had a rare gift for making others feel seen and cherished - whether greeting every passerby, making instant friends with strangers, sitting on the ground to sort rocks and shells with a child, or spending time with her beloved family. Any day that allowed her to be outside, she could be found tending to her garden and plants. She never passed up a good laugh or chance to pet a dog.

She is survived by her daughter, Kim (Gus) Miller; 2 sons, Randy (Mary) Nelson and Mike Nelson (Lisa Wellvang); 7 grandchildren; Nicole (Dan) Janisin, Jed Nelson, Jennifer Nelson, Jacob Nelson, Caitlin (Sid) Benbo, Nathan Sirek and Hunter Miller (Angie Raval); 9 great grandchildren; a sister, Shari (Sherman) Wood; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald C. Nelson; and her parents, Floyd and Alma Livingston.

The family would like to thank Marshfield Medical Center Rice Lake Hospice and Home Sweet Home in Rice Lake for their loving care and compassion that was given to Elaine. A private family celebration of life will be held.

Last Update: Nov 17, 2025 9:19 am CST