Margaret Nelson

Margaret was born April 27, 1932 in Calumet to Carl and Lydia (Ruuska) Forsberg. Her father passed when she was an infant and she was raised by her step-father, Walfred ‘Wally’ Perna. Margaret grew up in Black River and graduated from Republic-Michigamme School, Class of 1950.

Following graduation, Margaret was united in marriage to Theodore ‘Ted’ Nelson in September, 1950 and together they raised their family in Palmer. Aside from being a loving and devoted homemaker to her children and grandchildren, Margaret worked as a librarian at the Richmond Township Library and also worked in the kitchen at Pineview School.

Mrs. Nelson was a devout member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Palmer where she was a member of the Altar Society. She was a wonderful cook and baker, enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and was an avid BINGO player while residing at Eastwood Nursing Center.

Surviving are three sons: Francis (Michelle Ayotte) Nelson of Palmer, Michael (Susan) Nelson of Negaunee Township and John (Francine) Nelson of Arizona; her daughter, Karen (Todd Martin) Nelson of Palmer; six grandchildren: Frannie (Brian) Kelly, Adam (Stevie Harris) Nelson, Carly (Ian Thomas) Nelson, Danny (Iva) Novak, Michael Novak and Hayden Nelson; 7 great-grandchildren: Averie and Cole Kelly, Jared Nelson, Brooklyn and Braelyn Thomas, Leah and Anastasia Novak; three brothers: Raymond (Mary) Perna of Republic, Donald (Carrie) Perna of Florida and Melvin (Joy) Perna of Wisconsin; two sisters, Jeanette (Paul) Pietro of Alaska and Myrna (Jim) Heilala of Arizona; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ted in 1995; an infant son, Daniel Nelson; her sister, Joni Laakso; and brother, Charles Perna.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 21st at Koskey Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 am until the time of services at 1:00 pm at the funeral home on Friday. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in her memory to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church or the Eastwood Nursing Center Activity Fund.

Margaret’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.