Carolyn S. Nelson

The family will greet friends Friday, August 8, 2025, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Runge Mortuary. The funeral will follow at 2:00pm in the Runge Chapel. The burial will take place at Davenport Memorial Park. Donations in her honor may be made to Empowering Abilities or Toys for Tots. Please share your condolences with the family at www.rungemortuary.com.

Carolyn was born November 28, 1951, in Davenport, IA to Leonard & Betty (Skaredik) Finger. She was united in marriage to Jack Nelson on September 30, 1972 in Davenport, IA. Carolyn had attended St. Luke's Nursing School earning her Registered Nurse degree. She worked at the former St. Luke's Hospital in the NICU for several years. In 1978, Carolyn and Jack opened Jack’s LST and in 1982 they purchased The Gallery Lounge. Along with several other endeavors over the years. She called herself the, “Wanna Be DJ” and she did not take requests, because she didn’t have to! She was the go-to DJ for Friday Happy Hours as she played a game called, Name That Tune. The Gallery was known for its pool leagues, which she loved to play. The Gallery was also known to host Toys 4 Tots, which has been a staple in our family for decades. Jack’s service in the Marine Corp made this charity near and dear to their hearts and will continue to carry out their parent’s legacy. Over the years the Nelson family made it a priority to collect as many bikes as possible along with toy donations that help local children in need.

Carolyn had a very caring personality and was always willing to help others. She always looked for the best in people. Carolyn was not only a nurse as a profession but she made it her identity to provide love and care to anyone she came across. Her character was built on a strong foundation of forgiveness and faith. Carrying her faith with her starting from a young age to later in life, she combined her faith and profession as a nurse minister.

Carolyn’s friends and family were the most important thing to her. You always knew she was near because you could smell her sweet vanilla scent. She loved to have her grandkids over for movie nights and popcorn. She always made sure to mention her favorites, The Sound of Music or Mary Poppins. She also loved to travel, while frequently visiting Lido Beach and making her annual trip to Galena with the girls. She always made holidays a priority and opened her home to anyone in need of some holiday spirit. Many people thought of her as a second mom.

Carolyn is survived by her 3 children Jason (Bethany) Nelson, Gina (Anthony) Nelson-Bradley, & Janie Nelson; grandchildren McKenzie, Cole, & Emma Nelson, Jackson, Greyson, & Ellison Nelson-Bradley, & Gianna Dadaian; cousins Julie Weaver- Gardner, Janelle Martel & extended family Tommy Price Sr., Tommy Price Jr., Nancy Pribyl & Jane Bergert.

She was preceded in death by Jack Nelson (husband), Leonard & Betty Finger (parents), and Nancy Winston (sister).

“Be Kind” - Carolyn Nelson