Norma Jean Nelson

Norma Jean Nelson (née Nyland) age 85, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at her home in Wausau.

Norma was born on June 11, 1940, in Fosston, Minnesota, the daughter of Helmer and Emma (Melbo) Nyland. A proud graduate of Wausau East High School in 1958, she married the love of her life, Dennis Nelson, on June 7, 1958, and the couple enjoyed 57 years together before his passing in 2015. Norma pursued her passion when she obtained a degree as a surgical technician from NCTI. She worked at Memorial Hospital in Labor and Delivery, where she loved taking care of the mommas and babies. Prior to her time at Memorial Hospital, she was the first female bartender in Wausau and worked alongside her sister, Marian, at their family bar; Jim's Bar. She later worked at Fiskars, from which she retired in 1999.

Norma, affectionately known as "Stormin Norman" to her close friends due to her spirited and fiery nature, was a woman of vibrant character. She cherished her friendships and shared countless joyful moments with her beloved friends, Janette Woodward and Lynn Byrd, with whom she embarked on yearly "fishing trips" and many other adventures. Norma and Dennis had a cabin in Harshaw, on Birch Lake, where they spent much of their retirement until Dennis' passing. After Dennis passed, Norma and her best friend, Joan Wood, bought a winter home in Lakeland Florida; a place where she cherished spending time with her good friends who became like a second family to her. She shared her mother's love of quilting and various needle crafts, loved to read and shop and did many puzzles.

Central to Norma’s heart was her devotion to spending time with her family at birthday parties, cookouts, and other gatherings. Her constant companion was Little Sammy, her little rotten dog, who she loved dearly.

The tears we have are for us, as we know she is no longer in pain and in a good place. She will be deeply missed by her children, Kathy Foote, Denise Layman, Kurt (Marci) Nelson, and Craig (Tuesday) Nelson; her 11 grandchildren, Keenan Foote, Carla Glodowski, Becky Heinrich, Rachel (Dustin) Altfillisch, Brittany (Josh) Wiechmann, Emily (Mitch) Baumann, Teague Layman, Calli (Anthony) Catanese, Taylor (Chad) Pemberton, Alicia Nelson, and Ashlynd Nelson. She is also survived by her 21 great-grandchildren and her brother, Ole Nyland.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dennis; and sisters, Marian Waldinger Reiche and Diane Nyland Plante.

A memorial service for Norma will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 1:30 PM at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson St. Weston, WI 54476. Pastor Lance Hoelscher will officiate. Visitation will be held from 12:00PM until the time of service at the church. Norma and Dennis will be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery at a later date.

It's not goodbye, it's see you later. Love you Mom and Dad!

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.