Donna Marie

(Duwell) Nelson

Lake Mills – Donna Marie (Duwell) Nelson, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at London Lodge from complications related to Alzheimer's.

Donna was born on March 4th, 1935 to August Francis and Rose Angel (Hafeman) Duwell in Racine, WI.

Donna attended St. Catherine's High School in Racine, WI and was a proud graduate from the inaugural class of Salem Central High School in 1952.

Donna and LeRoy Edward Nelson were married on Oct., 10th, 1953. They were married for 63 years. They first made their home in Bristol, WI, then Kingston, WI and finally settling in Lake Mills, WI in 1960. During Donna and LeRoy's marriage they had 6 boys who all attended Lake Mills High School.

Donna spent most of her early years as a stay at home mom taking care of their boys.

Over the years, she volunteered extensively at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, St. Vincent DePaul and Respite Care. She was a member of the Townline Mother's Club. Eventually Donna worked at Hamlin in Lake Mills. Her next adventure was having her own business that she managed for 20+ years. In retirement, Donna enjoyed traveling around the world. She traveled to such places as China, Australia, Israel, Egypt, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, and many more. In addition, she loved traveling to see her sons who had moved away from the Lake Mills area.

Donna will always be remembered for her unconditional and devoted love for her family.

She was charitable, selfless, and willing to help anyone who needed a supporting hand.

She would never say she was too busy to help. She had a great faith in God that she shared with those around her. We were all blessed to have her in our lives.

She is survived by her husband LeRoy and her 6 boys, Jeffrey (Chris) Nelson of Polson, MT, Edward (Sharon) Nelson of Lake Mills, Larry Nelson, Scott (Andrea) Nelson of Cambridge, Douglas (Valerie) Nelson of Cambridge, Daniel (Nina) Nelson of Waunakee and her sister Yvonne (Duwell) Peterson of Racine, WI. In addition, Donna is survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by both her parents Rose Angel (Hafeman) and August Francis Duwell and three siblings, Ronald Duwell, Allan Duwell, and Maxine (Duwell) Cuccia and one grandson Michael "Mikey" Nelson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Lake Mills with Father David Wanish officiating.

Friends may call after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the church until the time of mass.

If desired, memorials may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or to Rainbow Hospice Care, Inc.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com