Elaine Jeanette Nelson
1926-2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Elaine Jeanette Nelson of Medford, who passed away on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 at the age of 99. Her life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 at Spirit Baptist Church, W1601 State Highway 86, Ogema, WI 54459, with Pastor Duane Harper officiating. Burial will follow at Spirit Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Spirit Baptist Church on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Spirit Baptist Church, where they will be distributed to missions in memory of Elaine.
Elaine was born on Jan. 30, 1926, the daughter of Peter and Ellen Nelson. She was raised on the family farm in Spirit and went to the Spirit Center grade school with her future husband, Lloyd Nelson, whom she married in 1952. Elaine and Lloyd had one son, Du-Wayne, born on Feb. 26, 1954.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; son, DuWayne; and her brothers, Clarence, Roy, and Raymond Nelson; her nieces, Laurie Nelson Oddo and Gayle Nelson Niggemann; grandniece, Suzanne Nelson; and great-grandnephew, Daniel Nelson.
She is survived by six nieces and nephews, Clarence (Judy) William Nelson Jr., Douglas (Tomi) Mark Nelson, James (Diane) Lee Nelson, Joanne Nelson Karnuth, Gary (Dorathy) Nelson, Debra (Gary) Polacek; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
Throughout Elaine’s life she remained close to God and the church. She was a lifelong member of the Spirit Baptist Church and had the distinct honor of being the last member descended from one of the original 25 founders in 1892, her grandmother, Bengta Olson. After moving to Medford in her retirement years, she attended the Medford Baptist Church. More recently she listened to both church services on her tablet, there being no technology gap in Elaine’s world. Elaine lived at Country Gardens for several years, before spending this last year at Rib Lake Health Services.
Elaine always was a very social person, as was her husband, Lloyd. They were a perfect pair in any social gathering, with Lloyd being the life of the gathering and Elaine being the organizer. By example, they served God well.
Elaine, affectionately known as Auntie La La, was the surviving member of her generation in the Peter Nelson family and she was looked upon by the remaining generations as their link to the past. She knew the history and the family loved to relive that history through her.
Throughout life, Elaine showed a genuine interest in members of the community beyond the immediate family. Having been blessed with an excellent memory, she was somewhat of an unofficial community historian. People called her from all corners of the country to reminisce and hear stories about their family. Her age and clear mind helped in that regard. She will be missed not only by her family, but by the community as well.
Elaine, we all wish you well on your journey to heaven. There are so many people there waiting to share what you know of Spirit, Rib Lake, and Medford.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visist http://www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 179572
