Mary Jane Nelson

Nelson, Mary Jane age 94 of Wayzata, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away October 17, 2023.  Mary grew up in Mondovi, Wisconsin, met her future husband from the neighboring town of Osseo, and graduated from St. Olaf College in 1951.  She started her teaching career in Whitehall, Wisconsin and shared her love of music with piano and voice students and many choirs until her retirement in 1989.  She continued to share her musical talents until her very last week, playing her piano several times each week, playing many pieces from memory.

Mary and Jerry enjoyed their retirement years, traveling, golfing, spending time with the grandchildren and their great-granddaughter.  They also enjoyed their winters in the south, with dear friends old and new.  

Preceded in death by parents Wilbur and Antoinette Johnson, and brother Alton Johnson.  Survived by her husband of 71 years Jerry, sons Mark (Sylvia) Nelson, Paul Nelson and daughter Tammy Mattson; grandchildren Laura Nelson, Zachary (Lindsey) Nelson, Erik (Madalyn) Mattson, David Mattson, Allison Nelson and John Nelson; great-granddaughter Jade; many nieces and nephews and friends.

Celebration of Life service Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11a.m. at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 East Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, with visitation one hour prior to the service and a light luncheon following at Folkestone, 100 Promenade Avenue, Wayzata, MN. Memorials to Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, Wilderness Canoe Base, Pheasants Forever or the donor’s favorite charity.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Jane Nelson, please visit our floral store.