Rene Fay Nelson

Rene Fay Nelson, 71, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away August 26, 2025, at Essentia Health -St. Mary’s Medical Center after a long courageous battle with cancer. Rene was a woman of Godly character—faithful, hardworking, wise, and generous—the kind of person who quietly made everyone around her better. A devoted wife and mother, she served others with steady grace.

Rene was born June 11, 1954, in Duluth, to Benjamin and Martha (Winskowski) Harju. She grew up in West Duluth, spending time with cousins and friends playing with dolls but investing much of her time reading books. Rene attended St James Catholic school, West Junior High School and graduated from Denfeld High School in 1972.

Rene attended the College of St. Scholastica earning her bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology. She served as a Lab Tech at St Mary’s Hospital and later in life promoted to Chemistry Lab Supervisor with Essentia Health.

Rene met the love of her life, Richard “Rick” Nelson, in 1969 beginning a 56-year love story marked by loyalty, laughter, and an abiding faith. They were married on August 25, 1979. Together they raised two sons and delighted in their five grandchildren.

Rene’s legacy is found in her recommitment by faith to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when she rededicated her life to Him, beginning in 1982. Abiding in Christ and His Word from the Bible, she learned to serve others in humility by letting her light so shine before people and esteeming them better than herself.

By God’s grace Rene poured that same discipline and joy into her family through homeschooling her two sons, Reid and Aaron, from third grade through high-school graduation. She taught them to work hard, love their neighbor, and keep their sense of humor. Through faith, she shaped her sons character, with discipline and instruction in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Family and friends knew Rene’s humorous side and quick wit that is meant to encourage with the joy of the Lord (J.O.Y. meaning JESUS Others Yourself). She was a generous giver, known by her grandkids as “Gramma-Claus,” who was the first to bring a meal, a note, or a small surprise. She loved biking, gardening, flowers, and baking - especially the family’s secret rye-bread recipe. Her kitchen and garden were classrooms where she cultivated gratitude, togetherness and joy. She enjoyed annual family gatherings, from reunions and weddings to trips with the grandkids. She never missed a birthday and enjoyed watching her grandkids’ school and extra – curricular activities.

She was a lovely woman who raised her family with her whole heart and her memory will never be forgotten.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Rick; sons Reid (Jamey) and Aaron (Amber); grandchildren Anders, Oliver, Blake, Everlea, and Kenzie; Brother-in-Law Daniel (Patti) Nelson, Sisters-in-Law Julie Nelson and Debbie (Terry) Wick as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Martha, brother Gerald, and Brother-in-Law Steven Nelson.

A visitation will be held on Monday September 1, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home, 3208 W 3rd St Duluth, MN. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday September 2, 2025, at Williams Lobemeier Boettcher Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Burial will be at Oneota Cemetery