I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
... Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Irene Nelson
July 7, 1927--July 29, 2019
Irene J. Nelson, 92 of Ashland, formerly of Iron River and Mason, died peacefully on July 29, 2019 at Birch Haven Senior Living in Ashland. She was born on July 7, 1927 in Poplar, Wisconsin to Edwin A. and Gilma Theresa (Barsness) Nutt.
Irene graduated from high school at the age of 16 and moved to Chicago to work. There she met Jack Nelson, whom she married on May 10, 1947 at the Moland Church in Mason. This union was blessed with eight children. Irene and Jack owned and operated Jack’s Clover Farm store in Mason and the Standard Oil agency.
In 1986 they moved to Iron River where they continued their involvement in community service through the Lions Club, Snowmobile Club and Our Savior Lutheran Church. She was an avid bowler, water skier, snowmobiler, hunter and crocheter.
Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Ernest “Jack” Nelson; her parents, Edwin A. and Gilma Theresa Nutt; son-in-laws, Dick DeBriyn, Bob Soik, Skip Tenpas; brother, Ernie and sister, Evelyn.
She is survived by her children, Linda (Duane) Lindahl, Lexie (Tom) Tenhagen, Jackie (Larry) Jacobsen, Jill Soik, Alice DeBriyn, Ernie (Brenda) Nelson, Patsy (Don) Kontny, Mark (Lisa) Nelson; eighteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Gladys Dickrell; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2019 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 311 13th Street West, Ashland, WI. Pastor Terrance Stratton officiating, visitation 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 1 hour prior to service at the church. Interment 2:00 p.m. at the Mason Cemetery following the luncheon at the church.