BESSEMER, Mich. - With heavy hearts, we announce the death of our mother, Marian “Helen” Nelson, who died peacefully and entered into eternal life in Heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at Villa Maria Health & Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, Wisconsin.

   She was born Marian Helena Kangas in Ironwood on Oct. 2, 1934, to Jacob Victor Kangas and Aili Helena Kangas (Korpela). Her father was a Finnish immigrant, and her mother was the daughter of Finnish immigrants. She grew up speaking Finnish in her home and English at school. She was often called upon to translate in school and later in her job as a CNA. She was proud of her Finnish heritage and demonstrated sisu throughout her life.

   She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, in 1952. She loved reading and was a member of the school’s library club.

   After high school, she worked as a bookkeeper at the former Gogebic National Bank in Ironwood. She then worked at Gogebic Medical Care Facility for 27 years, first as a CNA, then as a stockroom clerk, retiring in 1997.

   On June 5, 1954, she married Milton Soren Nelson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ironwood. He preceded her in death on Jan. 14, 2019. Together they raised six children.

   Family meant a great deal to her. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed attending their events. She stayed connected with extended family by sending birthday and Christmas cards.

   Marian was a founding member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and later a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood. She recently returned to the former church. Her faith in Our Savior Jesus Christ was central to her life. She taught Sunday School and took vacation time from work to teach VBS. She believed it was important to spread the gospel to others and was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and the Fisherman’s Club.

   In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Sylvia Wahlberg; brothers-in-law, Vernon Wahlberg, Duane Johnson, Conrad Nelson and Gordon Lake; sisters-in-law, Corrine Lake and Marie Nelson; and her father-in-law, Louis Nelson, and mother-in-law, Monica Nelson.

   She is survived by her five sons, Paul, Michael (Vicki), Neal (Linda), Karl and Kelvin (Vicky); her daughter, Pamela Webber (Jim); and her sister, Nancy Johnson; She is further survived by her grandchildren, Amanda Reller (Jordan), Katie Nelson, Alec Nelson, Sarah Nelson, Tia Webber, Jacob Webber (Natalie), Jackson Webber, and Jason Webber; great-grandchildren, Lori and Morgan Maki and Cody Nelson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

   Funeral services will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ramsay, on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. Visitation will be at 10 a.m, with services at 11 a.m. and a luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall.

   The family would like to thank Pastor Hopfensperger, Pastor Pope, and Pastor Hyvonen for visiting Helen at the nursing home. This was so important to her. We also thank the staff of Villa Maria and Sky View Nursing Center in Hurley, as well as Dr. James Rocco, for caring for Helen, and Jerald Rocco at Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc. for his kind assistance.