Ione Jeanette Nelson

MONONA-Ione Jeanette Nelson, age 94, of Monona, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at her home. She was born on Feb. 18, 1924, in Adams, the daughter of Elvin Gross and Mary (Gollnik) Donovan. Ione graduated from Adams Friendship High School. She then went on to attend UW Madison where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in dietetics. While attending college, Ione was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority. She worked at the VA Hospital in Tomah for many years and finished her career as a supervisory dietitian for UW Hospital. Ione was a member of the Monona Community and Eastside Lutheran Church for over 40 years. She spent her retirement doing what she enjoyed most, playing cards with her friends at the Monona Senior Center, the Elk’s Club, and Elie's Restaurant, reading, gardening and spending time with her family. Ione is survived by her daughters, Mary Lou (Edward) Wendtland, and Carol (Charles) Nelson-Britten; her sons, Charles E (Patricia) Nelson and Jim Nelson; grandson, Blaine Wendtland, and granddaughters, Kelly (Richard) Rietow, Kimberly (Al) Zaudtke, Kerry Harried, Stacey (Jason) Schumacher, and Heather (Romar) Nelson; and her great-grandchildren, Katherine and Madison Rietow, Addy Schumacher, Miles Nelson, and Joshua Wendtland. She was preceded in death by parents; and her daughter, Millie Harried. A celebration of Ione's life will be held at the Monona Senior Center at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Monona Senior Center. Ione's family would like to thank the Monona Senior Center, all of her friends who helped make her life better, and the medical staff at the UW Health Yahara Clinic for all their love and support. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420