Mildred F. Nelson

For nearly a century, Mildred Frances Nelson tended to her younger siblings, her parents and her many nieces and nephews at the family home on Maria Street in Kaukauna. On Wednesday, December 20, 2006, she died at the age of 96.

The eldest of three children, she epitomized the gracious, dutiful daughter. In her first job, Mildred accompanied her mother as she delivered milk to the residents of Kaukauna on a horse and wagon. Her sense of compassion led her to a career in nursing. For years, she assisted Dr. Neidhold in Appleton.

Her most significant work, however, was caring for her family. After her brother William's wife unexpectedly died, Mildred assumed a role in rearing her eleven nieces and nephews. Her handiwork and love is woven into their memories through poodle skirts, wedding dresses and elaborately decorated birthday cakes she made them. She provided the same nurturing love to her sister Kate's daughter as well as her many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Mildred, a gentle woman, was a lifelong member of Holy Cross Church. During the fall, she spent Sundays cheering on the Packers as she and her friends Lucy and Bud Lang held season tickets for many years. Although she lived nearly her entire life on the same street, she nonetheless traveled extensively across the United States and Europe with her many friends.

A woman who came of age during the Great Depression, Mildred always appreciated a good meal preceded by a vodka Gimlet and a topped off with Hughes' chocolates. She was a regular with her sister Kate at many of the area eateries, especially Van Abels, which she had frequented since her childhood. It's especially poignant that she died as Christmas approached, given her tradition of hosting a holiday dinner party for her nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews at the Hyland House in Kaukauna.

Her loving survivors are: Bill and Pam Nelson of Oshkosh; Mary N. Janssen of Little Chute; Fran Nelson and Peter Kordiyak of Hilbert; Roy and Yvonne Nelson of Kaukauna; Chris Torgeson of Appleton; John Nelson of Kaukauna; Karol Rogers of Lompoc, Calif.; Roger and Jackie Nelson of Combined Locks; Kathy Nelson of Kaukauna; and Robin and Dan Jansen of Kaukauna; Carrol Schweda Rae of Appleton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances (Hyland) and Roy Nelson; her brother William Nelson and sister-in-law Barbara (Mulry); her sister Kathryn Schweda; her nephew Jeffery Nelson; and her nephews-in-law Tom Janssen, husband of Mary, and Chuck Barca, husband of Kathy Nelson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Franciscan care for its care of Mildred. Friends are welcome to visit with the family after 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2006 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna. A mass for Mildred will be held at 11:30 a.m. that day. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name to charity.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200