Sally M. Nelson

Sally Nelson, 88, of Onalaska, died on Monday, August 3 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, of complications from pneumonia.

She was born in Union Township, Houston County, MN on October 24, 1937, to Reinhold J. and Minnie (Schultz) Klinski. She was a 1955 graduate of Caledonia High School in Caledonia, MN and was co-valedictorian of her class. After high school she worked at Nelson Lumber & Construction in Caledonia, MN as a bookkeeper. On June 26, 1965, Sally married David Nelson, of La Crosse.

She continued working at Nelson Lumber until 1967, when she left to work as a stay-at-home wife and mother. She supported her husband, David, in his day job as a Metallurgical Engineer, and enabled him to succeed in his side job as a real estate owner and landlord. She often helped him mow lawns or shovel snow at his properties. She supported and encouraged her children in their educational endeavors and professional pursuits.

In her younger years Sally was proficient at playing the accordion. She enjoyed polka and country western music, especially classic country music.

Sally was renowned for her cooking and baking, creating recipes that her family uses to this day. She was known for her delicious pies, cobblers, and cookies.

Among the family who will miss her are her children, a daughter, Kathy Nelson of Naperville, IL; a son, Kevin (Doris) Nelson of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Amerie Zaininger, and Andrew and Evelyn Nelson; two sisters, Marlene Mattson of Pineville, LA, and Margie Rud of Caledonia, MN; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Swanson of La Crosse.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Nelson; her parents; and a brother, Lyle Klinski.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 22, at First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with the service at 11:00. The Rev. Roger Sachs will officiate. A reception will follow in the church basement. Inurnment will take place in the Oak Grove Garden Mausoleum. 

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic Health System for their kind and compassionate care, especially the nurses of the fourth floor.