Ivy L. Nelson, 98 years old, was called to her Lord March 12, 2026 after a short illness at Door County Medical Center.
She was born on August 31, 1927, to Edward Carl and Martha (Lemoine) Jorns on her family farm in Jacksonport where she spent her young years working. As a young lady, she went to work in her brother's grocery store, now the Morning Glory Restaurant in Sturgeon Bay.
On June 19, 1948, she married Kenneth Frank Nelson. They resided in Green Bay and later retired in Little Harbor. Ivy was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for 32 years. Ivy and Ken were original founders of the Botanical Gardens in Green Bay, remaining active there throughout her life. Many knew Ivy as the "Plant lady" in Little Harbor. Plants were a great joy in her life. She was also known as the "Apple Lady", selling apples until the age of 98. She and Ken loved traveling with their camper throughout the United States and Mexico and various countries. Her trip to Iceland with her granddaughter at age 90 was a highlight.
Her survivors include two children, Rod (Stephanie) Nelson, Jane (Dan) Nesbitt; eight grandchildren, Chelsea (Andrew Zahansky) Nelson, Logan (Margaret) Nelson, Erik (Ashley) Cordier, Andrew (Kristi) Cordier; six great-grandchildren, Henry, Lincoln, Charlotte, Violet, Teddy, and Matilda. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; three brothers; and one sister.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2026 at St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church with Rev. Joel Sauer officiating. Friends may call at the church Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted with Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Ivy may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.
