Dolores J. Nelson

Dolores J. Nelson (nee Gaertig) of Mequon, Wisconsin, passed into Eternal Life on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the age of 78. Dolores is joined with her husband of 59 years, Peter T. Nelson, and also preceded in death by her siblings, Howard (Audrey) Gaertig, Roger (Kathy) Gaertig, Milton Gaertig, and Joyce Hanson.

Beloved mother to Tim Nelson and Wendy Conklin (Chris) and cherished grandmother to Tiernan, Gaelan, and Brendan. She was also loved and will be missed by her brother-in-law, John A. Nelson (Susie), and by nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Dolores grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. She and Peter met at Whitefish Bay High School, and after graduation, they moved to Mequon to start a family. Dolores was a remarkable homemaker throughout the years.

Dolores was an avid bowler in her younger years, she was adventurous, and she loved to travel, even when it was to simply “go for a ride”. She was a great cook and was well-known for her homemade spaghetti and meatballs, as well as her homemade baked beans.

She loved Elvis and was always thrilled to tell the story of seeing him live in concert.

Dolores will be remembered for her sense of humor, deep love for family, and her tender heart. God blessed her with a selfless nature that was evident in the way she cared for those around her, especially her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her grandchildren will tell you that she always knew how to make people feel heard and appreciated. She taught them to laugh through the hard times, forgive easily, and enjoy the little things in life, as well as to greet each day as a new day full of possibilities.

A private service will be held for the immediate family, with a celebration of life to follow at a future date.

Gifts in Dolores’s memory may be made to the COPD Foundation at https://www.copdfoundation.org

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