Janet A. Nelson

Janet A. Sandberg Nelson April 19,1934 - August 3, 2026 Janet Nelson went home to be with her Lord on Monday, August 3rd, at home, surrounded by her family. Janet was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, where her father was a mail carrier, and her mother was a homemaker. She graduated from Bloom High School and went on to North Park College in Chicago and completed a registered nursing degree at Northwestern University. She began her nursing career at Illinois Research Hospital in Chicago. On April 13, 1957, she married Wayne Nelson and they shared 69 years together. She agreed to move to Foster City to raise their family, walking away from city life and never looking back. She adapted to and embraced rural life. Being a nurse, many people came through her doors seeking help over the years. Her faith, four children and career made for a life full of service. She was very active at Mission Covenant Church as a musician and choir director, Sunday School teacher and VBS leader, member of the Ladies Aid Society, and Covenant Women, and church janitor. She was a faithful caretaker for her parents and Mother-in-law. Janet was always willing to practice hospitality, and hosted women’s Bible studies in her home as well. When grandchildren began to come along, she made herself available to help in any way she was asked. She loved all those grandkids! Both Wayne and Janet were early members of the Nordic Volunteer Ambulance, and together with others, were instrumental in its founding. All this she accomplished during the child rearing years, lovingly supporting her kid’s endeavors. An avid gardener, her children and grandchildren have had their work cut out for them to upkeep her many beautifully curated flower beds. She also maintained a vegetable garden. She is responsible for instilling that love of gardening in her children and grandchildren. Bird watching and identification by sight and song was also passed on to her descendants. In later years, travel took Janet and Wayne to Europe, the Philippines, Korea, and all around the United States. Together, they retired to a beautiful home on Stromberg Lake, where flower gardening continued. She lived a full life. Her commitment to her family and Christ never wavered. Her life was centered on faith, family, and friends. Janet is survived by her husband Wayne Nelson, brother Jerry (Judy) Sandberg of DesMoines, Iowa, children Kenneth (Malou) Nelson, Kristine (Gus) Murray, Gretchen Siders, Robert (Connie) Nelson, special daughter in the Lord Mary Ann Lazaretti, grandchildren Gabriel (Emily) Nelson, Khea Nelson, John Wayne Nelson, Emily (Ben) Aho, Manley Murray, AJ (Emily) Murray, Ellen (Josiah) Penniman, Madeline (Dylan) Dennocenzo, Paul (Lisa) Cousineau, Thomas Cousineau, Caleb (Audrey) Siders, Christina (Bob) Scott, and Matthew Osborn, and finally, 19 treasured great-grandchildren. Please join her family for a visitation at Mission Covenant Church in Foster City on August 7th from 9:30-11:00 a.m. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 with a luncheon to follow. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Janet Nelson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Janet A. Nelson

April 19, 1934 - August 3, 2026