On Saturday, June 17, 2023, Iris J. Nelson passed away at the age of 94.

Iris was born August 29, 1928, to Richard and Jessie (Thorpe) McClain from Milltown, WI.

On September 19, 1947, she married the love of her life Donald Nelson. For the majority of Iris’ life, she lived and worked on a dairy farm near Milltown, WI. They raised four sons Larry, Craig, Neil, and Dean, and two daughters Donna and Gail. Iris and Don also had a son, Bruce, who passed away in infancy.

Over the years of their marriage, Iris enjoyed being a mother and grandmother; her family was the pride and joy of her life. She also enjoyed visiting family; being with close friends; vacationing in Colorado; attending and serving in church; working at a store when the family lived in Iowa; and quilting. Iris had a passion for quilting and crafted many beautiful quilts for her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Iris’ faith in God was very important to her throughout her life. She was active and served in many roles in her church at East Balsam Baptist Church in Balsam Lake, WI. Iris was known for her faith and faithfulness. She introduced her six children to Jesus and repeatedly talked of her faith to her grandchildren. Even as her husband Don was dying (on her birthday in 2022), she demonstrated her faith by saying: “Don, I sure do love you. I want you to know that I am going to be OK. I have people to take care of me, the girls are always with me, and it’s time for you to go to heaven and see Jesus.”

Iris was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Nelson; her parents, Richard and Jessie McClain; her sister, Maxine Gay; her sister Phyllis Tahmasebi; her son, Bruce; and her great-grandchildren, Quinten and Reagan.

Iris is survived by her children, Larry (Sue) Nelson, Craig (Phillis) Nelson, Neil (Mary) Nelson, Dean (Debi) Nelson, Donna (Mark) Mabry, and Gail (Karl) Lake; 14 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren; and her brother Richard (Kay) McClain.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the East Balsam Baptist Church on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. Iris will be laid to rest immediately after the service at the Milltown Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the church following the cemetery service.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

Last Update: Jun 20, 2023 6:39 pm CDT