Lori Ann Nelson, 65, Ellendale

Lori Ann Nelson, 65, of Ellendale, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at New Richland Care Center with her family and beloved dog Ginger by her side.

She was born Aug. 8, 1960, in Waseca, Minnesota, the daughter of Clinton and Margaret (Kuntze) Gruzebeck. Lori graduated from Owatonna High School in 1979 and then went to Albert Lea for travel planning courses.

On May 21, 1988, Lori and Wesley were united in marriage at the Assembly of God Church in Ellendale. They were blessed with their son, Tyler.

Lori owned and ran the Straight River Inn in Hope for 10 years. Once she sold the business she then worked for “Teachers On Call” working in many area schools as a paraprofessional.

Outside of work Lori loved to make wire wrap jewelry, and she would sell them at different farmers markets, craft fairs and flee markets. She even won many ribbons at the fairs with her quality work on her jewelry. Lori and Wes loved to go fishing and hunting in northern Minnesota together. At home Lori loved to tend to her flower gardens and spend quality time with her family and her dogs that she had over the years.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years Wes Nelson of Ellendale, their son, Tyler Nelson of Ellendale, her sister Carrie (and Jeff) Knippel of Owatonna, sister-in-law Beathe Arneson of Norway, brothers-in-law Ed Nelson of Ellendale, William Nelson of Pine City, nieces and nephews, and her golden retriever, Ginger.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Steve Gruzebeck of Norway, parents-in-law, Ed and Alcie Nelson, and her three dogs.

Visitation will be at Ellendale United Methodist Church on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the funeral service starting at 12 p.m. Interment will be in the Berlin Cemetery in rural Ellendale.

Michaelson Funeral Home of Owatonna is handling the arrangements