Deanna M. Nelson

AuTrain

Deanna Mae Nelson, age 86, formerly of AuTrain, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Trillium House in Marquette. She was born on April 27, 1940 to Harold and Laura (Weberg) Lundquist. Deanna attended Rapid River High School and while there she was introduced to Gordon Nelson by her driver's education instructor (Gordon’s brother Ralph). Gordon and Deanna were married a few months after her graduation in 1958. They lived in Rockford, IL, New Milford, CT, and Neenah, WI before returning to the U.P. and settling in Munising.

Deanna worked nearly three decades as a teacher's aide for the Munising Public Schools assisting in classrooms, the lunchroom, and monitoring the playground. People around town may remember being sent to stand by the fence or brick wall if misbehaving. Other students viewed Mrs. Nelson as their protector. She enjoyed her years working in the schools, spending time with many wonderful staff long after retirement.

Deanna enjoyed many hobbies including flower arranging, gardening, ceramics and sewing. She also loved cooking, baking, entertaining friends and family, and volunteering for the church.

After retirement Deanna and Gordon enjoyed spending time at their home in AuTrain and also traveling to Florida and Arizona during the Winter for several years.

Deanna is survived by her daughters Lori Nelson of Marquette, Amy Nelson of Stevensville, MI, and Mara (Jason) Snedeker of Sherwood, WI, grandson Drew Snedeker, sister Sharon (Robert) Roshak, nephews John (Jeanna) Nelson, Scott Roshak, nieces Linda (Gene) Conroy, Connie (Barth) Fassbender, and Lisa Roshak.

She was predeceased by her parents Harold and Laura Lundquist, husband Gordon Nelson, his parents Henry and Hannah Nelson, and brothers and sisters-in-law Ray (Elaine) Nelson, Ralph (Betty) Nelson, Caroline Nelson, and David Nelson

as well as nephews Paul and Ralph Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the following non-profits: UPAWS in Gwinn or Trillium House in Marquette.

A special thank you goes out to the staff at Trillium House and Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice for taking great care of Deanna in her final days.

Visitation will be on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Eden Lutheran Church in Munising from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Deanna’s memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. for both Deanna and Gordon. The Alger County Veterans Council will conduct military honors for Gordon, and Vicar Elaine Robbins will lead the committal prayers for the both of them.