Gayle Dawnell Nelson, age 65, resident of Sturgeon Lake, MN, entered her Lord's presence on Wednesday, July 10 ^th , 2019 at home with her family at her side. She was born in Cloquet, MN on September 28 ^th , 1953 to Donald and Frances Nelson.

Gayle grew up in Mahtowa and attended school in Barnum, graduating in 1971. She married her true love, Mark Nelson, in Cloquet on June 28 ^th , 1974. Together, they spent 35 years in New Brighton, MN, raising 3 sons; Wesley, Nicholas, and Ross. Gayle was a secretary for Coon Rapids High School for many years, although her favorite "job" was being a Mother and a homemaker. Her family and her faith were the two most precious things to Gayle. She will be remembered as a strong, faithful, loving, and caring woman who was blessed with support from her family and friends throughout the years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Loren.

Gayle's memory will be cherished by her husband, Mark; sons, Wesley (Karen), Nicholas (Andi), and Ross (Kim); grandchildren, Kelsey, Nathan, Sonja, Loren, and baby boy who is expected soon; brothers, David (Jane) Nelson, Dan Nelson, and Lyn (Jackie) Nelson; sisters, Carol (Jim) Lumppio, and Roxy (John) Farley; and sister-in-law, Candace Kirkedahlen.

A visitation in memory of Gayle will be held on Monday, July 15 ^th , 2019 from 10AM until the 11AM funeral service at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Moose Lake. Burial will follow in Mount Salem Cemetery of Mahtowa.