Grenneth Nelson
Grenneth D. Nelson, age 97, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Moundview Memorial Hospital & Clinics in Friendship.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church in Arkdale, Wisconsin, with Pastor Terri Skildum officiating. Visitation will take place at the church that day from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow at the church.
Interment at East Arkdale Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Grenneth was born on July 22, 1927, in Roscoe, Illinois, to Ward Raymond and Matilda Alta (Nagles) Lake. She was one of the twelve children listed in birth order, Clarence, Stanley, Glenn, Alice, Arthur, Mary, Leota, Robert, Raymond, Frank, Grenneth and Audrey. Her family moved frequently during her youth before settling in Brooks, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Brooks Elementary and later Oxford High School. Grenneth was the only surviving biological child. She has a sister-in-law, Marion, still surviving.
On November 13, 1948, Grenneth married Nels Nelson at Davis Corners Methodist Church. The couple initially farmed in Big Springs, but after facing difficult times, they relocated to Rockford, Illinois, where Grenneth worked for Chiclets Gum. In 1959, they returned to Arkdale, Wisconsin, and resumed dairy farming for many years. During their time on the farm, Grenneth assisted many friends and neighbors by transportation to Dr. appointments etc. Grenneth also worked at Diamonds Grocery Store in Arkdale, where she worked with very special friends. She also was the Strongs Prairie Treasurer for many years where she collected taxes in her home. While on the farm she welcomed many family visitors on the wk-ends. She always welcomed everyone with open arms and of course great food. In 1981, they built a log home on the family farm. Following Nels’s retirement in 1983, they began spending their winters in Florida. She made some good friends there and enjoyed the weather. In her later years, Grenneth lived with her daughter, Cathy, before moving to Villa Pines Nursing Home.
Grenneth had a passion for hard work, cooking, canning, reading, music, and volunteering at her church. She was an active member of several organizations, including 4-H, band, choir, the Strongs Prairie Community Club, PTA, the Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, the Ladies Aid, and girls’ softball.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Nels Jr.; her son, Kenneth; her brothers, Clarence, Stanley, Glenn, Arthur, Robert, Raymond, and Frank Lake; and her sisters, Alice Frazer, Leota Wicker, Audrey Coon, and Mary Steffen.
Grenneth is survived by her son, Steven Nelson of Big Flats, Wisconsin; her daughter, Cathy (Dennis) Rathermel of Friendship, Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Cynthia, Casey, Tanya, Tammy, Justin, Tyler, and Lance; her foster grandchildren, Tammy, Crystal, Tammy, Jeff, Jonathan, and Hannah; and her foster great-grandchildren, Jaiden, Nevaeah, Isaiah, Saren, Alba, Leo, Rose, and River. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Marion Lake, as well as many other relatives and friends.
The family is being assisted by Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Online condolences and further information can be found at www.roseberrys.com.
Cathy, sorry for the great loss of your mother. Sending peace, love and hugs.
To Cathy and family. My deepest sympathy to you all. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts. My heart is sad too. I enjoyed taking care of her. She was my extra blessing in my life.
To Cathy and family. My deepest sympathy to you all. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts. My heart is sad too. I enjoyed taking care of her. She was my extra blessing in my life.
Extending my sympathies to the family. I have many happy memories of Grenneth at the Arkdale church. Grenneth always had a smile on her face and she loved to tease me. May she rest in peace.
Sympathy to all of the family. Grenneth lived a long life. We had so many fun times together. I can still hear her , Elaine,& Carol telling about their trip and collecting flower samples. shh ! Rest In Peace !
So sorry for your loss. I have great memories of growing up down the road from your family and visiting your mother with my mom (Virginia Chaffee). Prayers for your families!
Our sincere sympathy to the family. We are sure her memory will sustain you in the days ahead. She was a pleasure to have known.
Cathy, Tanya, Tammy, Steve and kids, my sincerest condolences with the loss of your mom and grandma. Miss Grenneth was one of the most beautiful, kind, caring and selfless women I was blessed to know growing up. It is so easy to see why you all are the women you are, her beauty and kind heart shines frm within each of you. I am not sure I’ll be able to come tomorrow but please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers and I’m sending extra big, long hugs!! My love to each of you ladies. May she fly high with the angels and watch over each of you until you’re reunited again in Heaven.
Cathy, Steve and families, we were so sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. I will always remember her smile that she so readily shared with everyone and how she loved to visit. Hugs to you all!
Cathy and family, I worked with your mom many times at church. She was an absolute treasure I always enjoyed our conversations and her infectious laugh. You have our sympathy. Prayers to your family.
Aunt Grenneth was a special lady. She was always up for anything and I enjoyed the times I was able to spend with her. My favorite memory was going to the county fair in Bradenton and riding the zipper with her. We laughed so hard and rode that ride at least 3 times. She will be missed 💔 😢
So sorry for your loss Cathy and Steve prayers to you and your families. 💐🙏
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a kind person and a friend to my mother. RIP Grenneth.
CATHY& FAMILY,,,,,My sincere condolences for the passing of your Mother. God Bless all of you during this very sad time.
Kathy and family, so sorry for the loss of your Mother. She lived a full life and you all were so lucky to have her so long. Hugs.
So sorry for your loss, Grenneth was a wonderful neighbor and kind lady ❤️
Dear Cathy, Tam, Tanya & family ~ 😢
I was so saddened to hear this when Tam texted me but I know that Heaven was singing…welcoming “Grandma” Grenneth and is in God’s loving arms. 🎵 ✝️ 🎶 She was one of the kindest Angels 😇 here on earth and now in Heaven!!! She always had a smile and the cutest giggle. I can just see and hear her. I wish everyone could be more like her!! 🥰 We know how Cathy, Tam and Tanya have such beautiful hearts, a strong faith & good cooks!!! ♥️♥️♥️
Tam, thank you for always sharing your “Grandma” with me. I think she was a “Grandma” to many, as she is what anyone would want in a sweet “Grandma”!! A one of a kind gem! You remind me SO much of her!! 😊 I can’t say it enough, just how beautiful of person she was inside and out!! ♥️
We know she is at peace now, with God, Nels, and will watch over ya’ll!! 😇 I’m saddened I won’t be able to make the funeral, as I have an important Dr. appointment I can’t reschedule, unfortunately. 😔
I will be thinking of you all, sending lots of LOVE, HUGS & PRAYERS~Michelle & Curtie Pollex 😘🙏✝️😘
Dearest Tam,
Please give your Mom, Tanya, Trudy, and Roxann a BIG hug for me!!! 🥰 I SO wish I could in person. 😢 LOVE YA’ll!!!
Cathy and family. Your mom was one of the first people to welcome us to Arkdale Trinity. She and June shared many laughs together. Blessings to you and your family during your mourning.
Cathy and family….so sorry for your loss….my thoughts are with you!!!!
Cathy and family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold your memories tight.
My sympathy and prayers to the family. God has another angel.
Cathy and family,
I must say I am sorry to see your Mom go. Now she is in Gods heaven, and will always be in the minds of SO MANY people. She really was a wonder to the world. EVERYONE LOVED HER AND KNEW HER.
There will never be any one like her. God has taken her for a special Angel !!
There has to be special people in The Good Lords home.
I am proud to have known her. RIP Grenneth.
Grenneth was a very special lady. I know she had some good times with my mom and her sisters. A life well lived. Sympathy for you all.
Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Cathy, Steve & Families,
Sending our deepest sympathy, in the loss of your Mom. Grenneth was one special lady, with a very giving heart & soul. Hugs to all
May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time. Soar high Angel Grenneth
My most sincere condolences to all who loved Grenneth. May your memories give you peace and comfort as you celebrate her life.
RIP Aunt Grenneth 😢
You was always so wonderful to me. I loved your great sense of humor at the Family Reunions… Always put me in place with my off the wall comments 🤣 Love You Always 💔