Donna R. Nelson, 86, of Elroy, Wis., passed away Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, at Riverwood Senior Living in Wisconsin Dells.
She was born May 31, 1936, to Crosby and Mary (Shelby) Dunlap. Donna grew to adulthood in the Hub City area and later Elroy, where she graduated from the Elroy High School as valedictorian of her class.
Donna was united in marriage to Arthur E. Nelson on Oct. 6, 1956, at Zion Lutheran Church in Elroy.
In addition to being a housewife and raising their family, Donna helped in the family business, Nelson Auto Service in Elroy, for many years, along with the Root Beer Stand at the same location.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid, a member of the Elroy Area Advancement Corporation, and worked a lot at bingo.
Donna enjoyed attending the many sporting events at Royall High School and was honored as Fan of the Year. Many of the kids at the school knew her as Grandma Nelson.
Survivors include her children, Tim (Nancy) Nelson of La Crescent, Minn., Annie (Jay) Witt of Kendall and Brian (Jody) Nelson of Elroy; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joye Brown of Hillsboro; and a brother, Gary (Jeanne) Dunlap of Holmen.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, on May 10, 1999; her parents; a daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Dennis Lawrey; and a sister, Kaye Bunk.
Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy, with Pastor Peter Snyder officiating. Burial will be in the Elroy City Cemetery. Visitation was Saturday at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy.
