Irene Nelson

Irene Jessie (Lampe) Nelson, age 95, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away on September 27, 2023, at Burnett Continuing Care Center, surrounded by loved ones.

Irene was born in Duluth, MN, on November 6, 1927 to parents Theodore and Hannah (Von Bon) Lampe. Irene was the youngest of four daughters. The family resided north of Grantsburg in the Ekdall area, which is now West Marshland Township.

Irene attended Grantsburg Schools, graduating high school in 1946. She married Laurel N. Nelson on June 12, 1946 and together they raised five children: James, Randell, Richard, Anthony and Mary Jane.

Irene dedicated 47 years to Burnett Medical Center, beginning as a candy striper at age 15 at the old hospital, which still stands today, now an apartment building by the Big Gust statue. She later attended WITC to earn her Licensed Practical Nurse credentials. She loved nursing and taking care of people, and never considered it a job. She worked in various departments, including the hospital, emergency room, extended care, and obstetrics, and was proud to say she helped deliver more than a few babies, sometimes before the doctor arrived.

Irene loved music, singing and dancing. She was a self-taught musician, and played piano, organ and accordion. She enjoyed telling stories of barn dances where neighbors would gather for potluck dinners, play music and dance. She enjoyed reading, watching movies and shopping, but her greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends.

She was a life-long member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and served in many capacities. She participated in the Women’s Club, rummage sales, bake sales and luncheons. She taught religious education grades K-5, helped with Christmas programs and provided organ music. A highlight in her later years was hosting outdoor Mass at her residence. Baptized as a baby in the church, Irene held the title for longest-standing member of Immaculate Conception and enjoyed sharing stories of its history.

Irene will be greatly missed for her cheery smile, her love of children and animals, stories of old times and wonderful sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Hannah Lampe, brother Albert Lampe, sisters Margaret, Martha and Alyce Lampe, husband Laurel Nelson, sons Richard, Randell and Anthony Nelson, and granddaughter Erica Nelson.

She is survived by son James (Laurie) Nelson, daughter Mary Jane (Paul) Johnson, daughters-in-law Janice Nelson and Kerri Harter-Nelson, all of Grantsburg; 11 grandchildren: Nichole Blomker, Travis Nelson, Michael (Nicole) Nelson, Sonny (Lindsey) Nelson, Shelly Nelson, Tera (Randy) Bowman, Kerissa (Aaron Ostermann) Nelson, Alex (Darla Corty) Nelson, Dan (Annie) Johnson, Jimmy (Amber) Johnson, Kyle (Jenna) Johnson; 19 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Pearl Bistram and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 at 11 a.m. (visitation 10-11) at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grantsburg. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the service. Pallbearers will be Michael Nelson, Dan Johnson, Jimmy Johnson, Alex Nelson, Travis Nelson and Kyle Johnson. Honorary pallbearer will be Laurel (Sonny) Nelson.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com