Lori Nelson

OREGON, Wis. / HOOD RIVER, Ore. / WHITE SALMON, Wash. - Lori Ann Stamm Nelson passed away on September 30, 2025, at Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, Portland, Ore., of a sudden Brain Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) that left her in a coma for 19 days.

The daughter of Carol Caruso Stamm Krause and Ronald Stamm, Lori grew up in the Oregon, Wis., area and graduated from Oregon High School in 1985 and MATC in 1987 with an IT degree. She worked in the IT Department for Dane County while residing in Madison, Wis.

Lori’s passion for the outdoors eventually led her to the Pacific Northwest. Drawn by her love for windsurfing, she relocated to the Columbia River Gorge area where she built a beautiful life exploring the hills, mountains, lakes, rivers, camping, hiking, biking and skiing.

Lori met and married Peter Nelson and together they had two beautiful children, Lillian “Lilly” and Christopher “Chris.”  Lori’s hunger for learning led her to earn Bachelor’s and MBA degrees from Western Governors University, while her children were young, in addition to working fulltime in the IT Department at Providence Memorial Hospital, Hood River, Ore.

When her children were in college, Lori embraced a new passion for Bluegrass music and learned to play the standup bass. That led to bringing together some friends and forming a band called Funky Cranium. They played a lot of charity and open mic events for the community.

Lori walked through life with an open heart and generous spirit that made everyone feel welcome.  Her children were the center of her world.  She poured her heart into being their “mama.”

Lori is survived by her children, Lillian and Christopher; her children’s father, Peter Nelson; mother, Carol Caruso Stamm Krause (John Sr.); brother, Steven Stamm; and her very special friend, Brad Peterson.  She is also survived by her loving step family including, Lori Speth Stamm, Steve Speth, Paul Speth (Anne), John Krause Jr. (Lisa), Kimberly Schug, Justin Krause Brown (Scott); and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family and numerous friends.

Lori was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Stamm; grandparents, Lillian and Fred Caruso, Margaret and Edward Stamm, and Sarah and William Nelson; uncles, John Caruso, Dan O’Toole, Mike Best, and Jerry Knobeck; aunt, Virginia “Ginny” Knobeck; step sister, LeAnne Speth; and other friends.

We are profoundly grateful for the countless prayers, and overwhelming messages of support and love, and all of the medical professionals that worked tirelessly to help Lori in her final days.  

Lori leaves behind a legacy of warmth and selflessness that reminds us all to live fully, love deeply, and hold one another close.  She will always be loved and greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 12 noon on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
 

In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to help pay Lori’s medical expenses not covered by insurance.  Checks can be made payable to Lillian and Christopher Nelson, PO Box 1024, White Salmon, WA 98672.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515