Janet Lee Nelson (nee Olufson) passed away unexpectantly on August 22nd, 2026 at Regions Hospital. She was surrounded by loved ones and passed peacefully holding their hands. She was born on March 20th, 1951 in Edina, Minnesota to Dolores (Smith) and LaMoine Olufson. She was married to James Alfred Nelson on February 3rd, 1977. This next year they would have celebrated their golden anniversary.

She was an outpatient coordinator for the Amery Hospital for 24 years, all while working simultaneously at Top Hat Video before she retired. After retirement she worked at Worn Again and met many people who she made a tremendous impact upon. Her work ethic was beyond measure, and she instilled this philosophy in all that knew her.

She loved her family with all that she had and the moments they shared together. These memories are now treasured gifts to those who had the privilege of sharing her presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dolores and LaMoine Olufson, mother and father in-law Erma and Paul Carlson, son Jeffrey Paul (Nellie) Nelson, brother in-law Jerry Nelson, nephew Christopher Lee Nelson and other loved ones that passed before her and that were waiting for her with open arms.

She is survived by her husband James “Jim”, son Brian (Booch) Nelson (Amery, WI), daughter Melissa Lupinek (St. Francis, MN), sisters Karen (Bruce) Maxon (Amery, WI), Barb (Curt) Luke (Amery, WI), grandchildren Ashley Lupinek (St. Francis, MN), Tyler (Mariya Viznyuk) Lupinek (Oak Grove, MN), Josie Lupinek (East Bethel, MN), Mariah Anderson-Nelson (Clear Lake, WI), nieces Heather (Tim) Drkula, April (Greg Kennedy) Nelson, Gabrielle (Taag) Erickson, Tera Viebrock, Lori (Greg) Friendshuh, Lindsay (Brian) Scribner, Taylor (Derek Framsted) Luke, Courtney (Chase Gorres) Luke, nephew Ryan Schneewind. Along with many extended family (Jackie, Jimmy, Louise, David, Diane (Steve), Vicky, Jennifer, Teresa, etc., and in loving memory of Jeff & Julie) and amazing friends (Michelle, Debbie, Mary, Cathy, Joy, etc.) that she has made during her journey on this earth.

We will all miss her for the rest of our lives, but we hope a little bit of what made her so special keeps beating on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know her.

Janet, her spirit and her soul are EVERYWHERE in her community. She exemplified what any good person strives to be. We are all better people in just knowing her. We were the beneficial ones.

People have said she was the heart of Amery, and the community is now beating quieter. She had the nickname of mayor of Amery and Janet loved that community, but more importantly, she loved the people in it and genuinely, without condition. Knowing that so many people loved her back is one of the few things bringing us comfort right now.

Please join us in celebrating her life. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 30th, 2026 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI with the funeral taking place on Monday, August 31st, 2026 at 11:00 am with an hour visitation prior to the service (10:00 am) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Amery.