Doris Nelson 01/24/2013

Doris Helen (Measner) Nelson died peacefully at the Deerfield Gables in New Richmond, WI on Thursday, January 24, 2013.  She was 91 years old.  Her life was guided and sustained by her faith in God and her trust that she would join Him and those she loved who have gone before her in Heaven.  She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Vern R. Nelson, and six children: Bonnie Trudell of Madison; Greg Nelson of New Richmond; Stuart (Sandy) Nelson of New Richmond; Bev Bierbrauer of Ellsworth; Wendy Nelson of Toronto, Ontario; and Scott Nelson of New Richmond.  She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jack (Mindy) Trudell of Madison; Todd Nelson of Carbondale, IL; Eric Nelson of Grand Rapids, MI; Devin (Angie Vasquez) Trudell of Milwaukee; Kara (Chris) Gaspord of New Richmond; Jessica Bierbrauer (J.P. Hric) of Hastings, MN; Joshua (Mandy) Bierbrauer of Ellsworth; and Nicole Ballantyne of Toronto, Ontario, and seven great grandchildren: Sam and Ruby Trudell, Sienna and Marley Gaspord, Parker and Taylor Bierbrauer, and August Hric.
Doris was born on June 23, 1921, in Holdfast, Saskatchewan, Canada, the daughter of Mary and Ed Measner.  Her family returned to their farm near the St.Croix River when Doris was a young child, and she lived the rest of her life in the Osceola/New Richmond area.  She was preceded in death by parents, seven brothers and sisters, a son-in-law, John Bierbrauer, and a great grandson, Max Trudell.  She is survived by her youngest brother, Donald Measner (Jo Meeker) of Hamilton, Ontario, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.  Doris was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, East Farmington, WI and played an active role in the church, school, and 4-H activities of her children.  She loved crocheting, knitting hats, sewing, making quilts, singing, dancing to old time music, yard sales, playing pinochle, being outdoors, gardening, going barefoot, and offering hospitality and care to extended family, neighbors, and friends.  Her family was the most important element in her life.  Doris’ courage and grace, loving presence, warm smile, and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew her.  The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who provided encouragement, support, and loving care in the last years of Doris’ life.  We especially thank the staff, volunteers, and other residents at The Deerfield Terrace, Arbor, and Gables, who played a major role in keeping her active, safe, and happy for the past three years.  We will always remember the competent and tender care you provided Doris, and the kind words, hugs, jokes, and laughter you shared with her and all of us.  Memorial visitation was Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 1-5 pm at Bakken-Young Beebe Chapel in New Richmond with a memorial service at 4:00 pm.  Interment was private.  Memorials may be directed to The Deerfield.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.