Carolyn Nelson

Carolyn was ‘born in the house she lived in’, on September 20, 1937, to Carl and Martha (Hallstrom) Johnson.

When she was 17, Carolyn met the love of her life, Edwin ‘Matt’ Nelson – fresh out of the Marine Corps, when she snuck to the Snack Bar in Eben – a place she still loved to go! Shortly after, Matt and Carolyn were married and spent time ‘on the road’, while Matt helped build various highways around the Midwest. Soon, they were blessed with 2 daughters; Lee Ann & Susan Kay; who were often mistaken for twins because Mom always had them dressed in matching outfits she’d made.

When they returned to Eben, they bought the family farm from Carolyn’s mother and built a wonderful life together. She loved living in ‘the country’ and believed there was no better place on Earth. In recent years, she let everyone know that she had no plans of leaving there, either!

All her life, Carolyn remained loyal to her parents and upbringing, and attended Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Eben.

‘Mrs. Nelson’ was a Teacher’s Aide at Eben/Superior Central Schools for many years, retiring in 1994. She loved seeing her former students and often reminisced about the laughs she shared with her co-workers. After retirement, she created the most beautiful flower gardens and oil paintings, as well as traveling to antique car shows in Matt’s Studebaker. Those hobbies all took a backseat when the great-grandkids came along, though!

Carolyn loved being ‘Grandma Nelson’ to April (Adam) Nordness, as well as to three grandsons, Greg and Kyle Seppanen, and Taylor (Amanda) Gohl. In 2001, she became a great-grandma to Aidan, followed by Owen, Stephanie, Addison, Charli, and Veda Lyn Nordness, and Riley Mae Gohl. She was so proud of those kids!

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Martha; husband, ‘Matt’; beloved daughter, Lee Ann Seppanen; parents in-law, Richard Sr. and Sylvia Nelson; sister, Nancy McLaughlin; and brother, Donald Johnson Sr.; as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Along with ‘Suzy’ (Jeff), and especially the grands and great-grands, Carolyn’s spunk, stories, and infectious laugh will be missed by her brothers and sisters in law, Richard McLaughlin Sr., Robert (Joyce) Nelson, Pat Johnson, Rita Le Maire, and many family and friends.

A special ‘thank you’ to Carolyn’s great-grandson, Owen Edwin for staying with grandma over the past year, and for his endless patience being her ‘youngest boy’, chauffer, and caregiver – allowing us to fulfill her wish to live at home, until the end. As grandma always said, ‘Kiitos!’

Carolyn was very proud of our ‘little school’, so if desired, please consider sending a contribution in her memory to: The Superior Central Playground Fund – PO Box 148 Eben Junction, MI 49825.

Arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Carolyn’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com