Antoinette E. Nelson

Antoinette E. (Tonee) Nelson, 90, Wausau, died Thursday, April 1, 2004 under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Hospice House, Wausau. She was born July 15, 1913 in Dunseith, North Dakota, daughter of the late George and Marguerite (Casavant) Courteau. She moved to Little Falls, Minn at the age of 13 and married Nels Carl Nelson in 1932. He preceded her in death in 1956. As a young girl she loved playing in the snow in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota. Horses were very special to her throughout her lifetime and she watched all the "derby" races. She was an avid fan of all sports, but especially the Packers, Brewers and Cubs. Basketball and golf were favorites as well. Dancing was her exercise of choice and never lacked for a partner. She was always ready for a good game of cards and enjoyed beating her partners at pool, including her sons. Tonee raised 11 children and during that time worked as manager of Rusty's Bridal Shop and later as a great waitress in various restaurants and clubs in the Wausau area. She was well known in the community and had a large circle of friends. Her eleven children survive her because she was a wonderful cook. She was a member of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau and a charter member of St. Catherine's Council. She was also an auxiliary member of the VFW and American Legion. Survivors include four daughters, Shirley Brantley, San Marcos, Calif., Carol (Frank) Kluck, Wausau, Jean Culpepper, Ventura, Calif., Joan (Richard) Kluetz, Wausau; seven sons, Gary (Nancy) Nelson, San Diego, Calif., Charles (Phyllis) Nelson, Tustin, Calif., Byron (Ruth) Nelson, DePere, Robert (Vicki) Nelson, Renton, Wash., Jack Nelson, Little Falls, Minn., James (Janet) Nelson, Fond du Lac, Ronald (Kari) Nelson, Milwaukee; one brother, Orel Courteau, Pasco, Wash.; 33 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her three sisters and four brothers. The funeral mass will be celebrated 6:00 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2004 at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Joseph Gyim-Austin will officiate. Entombment will be in the Garden of Eternal Rest Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. Monday until the time of services at the church. The family would like to thank Comfort Care and Hospice Services, doctors, nurses and aides who took such wonderful care of Tonee during her stay, the pastoral staff at Hospice and Holy Name for the spiritual comfort received. God Bless you all. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com