Patricia Ellen Nelson

Patricia Ellen Nelson of Edina, Minnesota passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 72. She was born on May 11, 1953 in Barrington, IL, where she grew up. She lived in Des Moines, IA during college, graduating from Drake University in 1974. Patricia also lived in Peoria, Chicago, and Hinsdale, IL before moving to Edina in 1987. She visited Waupaca, WI every summer of her life.

Patricia worked in special education at Hopkins North Junior High for over 20 years, retiring in 2015. She moved to Minnesota with her family in the winter of 1987. She was a stay at home mom until 1994, and was active in her community, organizing the Currenival at Katherine Curren Elementary School for many years, as well as leading the Sunday School Program at St. John the Evangelist for several years. She was a lung cancer survivor.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas J. Millin and Patricia Ruth Feragen Millin.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ron Nelson; her children, Emily Nelson, Joseph (Megan) Nelson, and Greta Nelson; her grandchildren, Clay, Sawyer, and Remi Nelson; and her siblings, Michael Millin, Laura Millin, John Millin, and Martha Althoff, and their families, including many nieces and nephews.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at the Clearwater Harbor Boathouse, N 2757 County Hwy QQ, Waupaca, WI 54981 on Monday, August 11 from 2-5pm. Casual/lake attire encouraged. There is a block of rooms at the Comfort Suites in Waupaca under Pat Nelson Memorial for Sunday and Monday nights.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in her name St. Jude Children’s Hospital.