In Memory of Jan E. Nelson

Janice “Jan” Nelson, age 85, of Isanti passed away on July 31, 2026 at CountrySide Living in Grasston. Her final days were spent with Curt, Colleen, Walt and grandkids by her side. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 17th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Isanti Union Cemetery.

Janice Elaine Nelson was born on January 5, 1941 in Minneapolis to Hjalmer and Ruby (Stoie) Anderson. Jan grew up in Fridley, Minnesota; raised in the home that her father and grandfather built. She was in the very first graduating class at Fridley High School in 1959.

In 1960, she married Kenneth Nelson at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley. They made their home in Fridley and had 2 children, Gail and Curtis. In 1972, they moved to Isanti, Minnesota. Jan was able to live in this house until September of 2025, at which time she moved in with her son and his wife. In February, Jan moved to Grasston to spend her final months living at, and being loved on, by the owners and staff at CountrySide Living.

Jan earned her associates degree in 1989 from Anoka Ramsey Community College-Cambridge Campus. Over the years, Jan worked at many different companies, the last, and most memorable was Blue Fox Tackle where she proudly told everyone she was a “happy hooker”. Over the years, she enjoyed yearly camping trips to Poplar River Campground, campfires, gardening, and hosting family and friends. In later years, she enjoyed scrap booking, watching football and nascar and hanging out with her children, grandchildren and friends. Gma Jan was able to enjoy many winters in Florida with Gail and her family. And loved going to as many of her grandchildren’s activities as she could.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken; daughter, Gail Edel; and sister, Darlene Finnamore.

Jan is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Curt and Colleen Nelson; son-in-law, Walt Edel; grandchildren, Christine, Michael, Matthew, Alicia and Noelle; great-grandchild, Owen; special friends, Angie, Shannon, Gordy, and Art and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Jan never met a stranger.

A special thank you to Kelli and Corey from CountrySide Living and the staff at St. Croix Hospice for loving on Gma Jan and taking such great care of her.