Shirley O. Nelson, 97, lifelong resident of Superior, died peacefully Monday, October 19, 2015 at Villa Marina Health and Rehab Center in Superior.

Shirley was born on Oct. 18, 1918 the daughter of Martin and Marie Nelson.

She was a member of Concordia Lutheran church and former member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. She was very active in all areas of the Church.

She was a proud Norwegian and expert Lefse maker. She loved playing music and had the ability to play piano by ear. She also enjoyed cooking and baking and would throw a party together in an instant. She and her husband Ralph wintered in Brownsville, Texas for many years.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph Sr.; a son, Richard 'Rick' Nelson; sisters, Pauline Nelson, Evelyn Gulstrand, Thea Wilcox; and a son-in-law, Anthony Novack.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Ann Marie Novack of Superior, Ralph (Wendy) Nelson, Jr. of Eden Prairie and Byron (Sharon) Nelson of Lake Minnesuing, WI; grandchildren, Glen (Rhonda Love) Novack, Kristen (Chad) Kruegel, Heather (Mauricio) Lopez, Heidi (Todd) Kammeijer, Marty (Trisha) Nelson, Eric (Jennifer) Nelson, Meredith (Josh) Johnson, Angie (Ryan) Johansen, and Brett (Erienne) Nelson; great-grandchildren, Dmitri and Landen Novack, Mateo and Nina Lopez, Ruby and Charlotte Kammeijer, Dylan, Tyler and Jase Nelson, Broderick and Caroline Nelson, and Norah, Statler and Simon Johansen; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Sat. Oct 24th from 10a.m. until the 11a.m. funeral service at Concordia Lutheran Church. Pastor Sarah Kerkes of Our Saviors Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Glen Novack, Marty Nelson, Eric Nelson and Brett Nelson. Honorary Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Concordia Lutheran Church Roof Fund or to the UW-Superior Foundation.

Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19th St. and Ogden Ave. is assisting the family with arrangements.