Emogene Florence Nelson

Emogene Florence Nelson, known to many as Jean, of Hudson, WI, formerly of Oakdale, MN, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at the age of 92.

Jean was born on May 28, 1934, in New London, MN. She was a graduate of New London High School’s Class of 1952. On November 26, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Harvey Nelson, in Lawton, OK, where Harvey was stationed in the United States Army. Together, they were blessed with five children.

Jean and Harvey raised their family in Oakdale, MN, where their home was the neighborhood activity hub, hosting friends, spontaneous gatherings, and parties. The Christmas Eve open house was a cherished tradition, filling the home with laughter and friendship for more than 30 years. The house was packed, but there was always room for one more, and everyone who walked through their door was made to feel welcome.

Throughout the years, Jean had many interests. She was an avid seamstress, romance novel reader, ballroom dancer, jigsaw puzzler, card player, and fair-weather golfer. She was also a lifelong Minnesota sports team fan, with a special place in her heart for the Minnesota Twins. If there was a ball game on, it was a safe bet that Jean was watching it. But perhaps one of her greatest joys was the love of camping and travel that she and Harvey shared throughout their 68 years together. As the co-pilot and direction giver, they traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, most of it in their RV. They also enjoyed spending their winters in Donna, TX, for more than 23 years.

Jean was the ultimate caretaker. She was an in-home daycare provider for more than 30 years and loved her daycare children as her own. She considered her friends family, which gave her many lifelong friendships. Jean truly was one of a kind. Anyone who knew her has at least one fun story about her. Most have many. Life will be a little quieter without Jean, and she will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives she touched.

Jean will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Robert (Kathy) Nelson, Betty (Dale) Wendorff, Jeffrey (Jeanette) Nelson, and Timothy (Cindy) Nelson; grandchildren, Jesse, Corey, Jason, Katie, Bobbi, Justin, Laura, Carl, Kelley, and Renée; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Bryer, C.J., Adaline, Caius, and Harrison; great-great-grandchild, Boe; siblings, Janie Schoen, Kathryn (Lowell) Roisum, and sister-in-law, Donna McLouth; and countless friends and extended relatives.

Preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Harvey; daughter, Karin Nelson; parents, Vincent and Josephine; stepfather, Carl Norrander; sister, Janet Thorson; brother, John McLouth; and brothers-in-law, Lowell Thorson and Robert Schoen.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church – Highlands Campus, 504 Frontage Rd., Hudson, with a visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. A private graveside service will be held the following day at Union Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Harvey.

In honor of Jean’s love for her community, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Hudson Food Cupboard or Moments Hospice.

Funeral services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.