Carol E Nelson

Carol Nelson, 86, of Two Harbors, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at her beloved home on the North Shore of Lake Superior. A life well-lived, Carol’s journey was marked by devotion, kindness, and a passion for nurturing the lives of those around her—family, friends, and the many who sought her wisdom.

Carol’s life was filled with accomplishments that reflected her caring nature. She found deep purpose in her career teaching at the North Dakota School for the Blind, where her dedication touched countless lives. Yet, her greatest joy was raising her three children and later serving as a loving "grandma nanny" to Steve and Lisa’s children. Her warm and generous spirit extended beyond her human family—Carol was also a devoted mom to many furry and feathered family members over the years.

A lifelong learner, Carol cultivated an incredible wealth of knowledge, particularly in the realm of holistic health. She believed deeply in the importance of well-being and shared her insights with family, friends, and anyone who reached out for support. Her wisdom and guidance brought comfort and healing to many, leaving a legacy of care and understanding that will endure through the lives she touched.

Carol is survived by her three children: Steve (Lisa) Nelson, Brian (Svetlana Kudimova) Nelson, and Lisa Nelson; her cherished grandchildren, Carrie (August) Judisch, Joe Nelson, and Becky Nelson; her great-grandchildren, Kai, Caden, and Julia Judisch; and her sisters, Maureen (Ed Sides) Bellinger and Kathy (Butch) Heemstra. Her family carries forward her memory with love, gratitude, and the lessons she so generously imparted.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 29, at 2:00 p.m. (Visitation at 1:00 p.m.) at Grace Church Chapel/Door 2, 9301 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55347. In honoring Carol’s spirit, may we remember her unwavering faith, her devotion to the well-being of others, and strive to carry forward her legacy of love, learning, and kindness. 

Carol believed strongly in supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation as it carries out its mission to “do good,” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness. If you’d care to provide a donation in her memory, here is the link:Tunnel To Towers Foundation.