Loretta Nelson

Loretta Ann (Johnson) Nelson, age 80, a long time resident of Siren, WI, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2014 at Burnett Medical Center Continuing Care Center, where she had been a resident since October 2014. Loretta was born October 23, 1934 in Grey Eagle, Minnesota, to Arthur and Hilma (Schultz) Johnson. She attended school and graduated from Grey Eagle High School in 1952. She was united in marriage to Gerald (Jerry) Nelson on October 8, 1952 in St. Cloud, MN. Upon Jerry’s return from military service they moved to Grand Rapids, MN where he trained and launched his career as a pilot. Loretta and Jerry started their family in Grand Rapids – where daughter, Chris was born in 1957 and son, Tim was born in 1960. In 1964, they moved to Siren where Jerry was employed as a pilot inspecting power lines for Burnett County Flying Service, and son, Tom was born in 1965. Loretta operated a day care in their home for several years. Many children benefited from her care and love, and continued to be part of her life into adulthood. Loretta and Jerry eventually purchased and ran Burnett County Flying Service until retiring in 2006. They also served as fixed-base operators of the Burnett County Airport. Loretta was a true partner in business – she was the bookkeeper, but she also guided planes to the active runway via radio communication and could even be found climbing the portable ladder to fuel planes! Many local aviation enthusiasts frequented the airport simply to visit with her. Community service was important to Loretta. She was a long-time member and dedicated volunteer of Bethany Lutheran Church, where she served as Treasurer and member of the church council for many years. She was frequently a voting delegate to synod assemblies and conference meetings. She was elected as a member of the School Board for Siren Public Schools for multiple terms. She also served on the Board of Directors at Luther Point Bible Camp. Loretta is preceded in death by her sister, Carol Meier (1993), her daughter-in-law, Kris (Tenley) Nelson (2012), and her husband, Gerald (2013). She is survived by her children, Chris Nelson of Rochester, MN, Tim and Margo Melting Nelson of St. Paul, MN, and Tom Nelson and grandsons, Joshua and Lucas of Centerville, MN. She is also survived by her siblings: Jim Johnson, Ardenne Reimers, Margaret Atkinson, Herb Johnson, Don Johnson, Ben Johnson, Tony Johnson and many other relatives and friends. A memorial service for Loretta Johnson will be at 11AM (visitation 10AM – 11AM) on Saturday January 10, 2015 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren with Rev. Paul Peterson officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be at a later date at the Northern Wisconsin Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Homes & Cremation Services: Webster – Siren – Grantsburg. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.