Mary Jo Nelson

She was born on August 21, 1955, to Wallace and Eleanor Murphy, where she grew up as the youngest child of 8 on their family farm. She graduated from Park High School in Cottage Grove, MN in 1973. On June 11, 1977 she married Jake Nelson. They built their home in Afton, MN and raised 2 daughters, Briana and Kelli.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Deacon Larry Murphy, sister Ann Holland, and niece Colleen Murphy.

She is survived by her husband Jake, daughters Briana (Justin) Sykora, Kelli (Robert) Mattila, grandchildren Tanner Mattila, Hailey and Ashlee Sykora; siblings Jerome (Kathleen) Murphy, Katherine (Greg) Gontarek, Robert (Mary Lou) Murphy, Dennis (Joanne) Murphy, Mark (Rita) Murphy, sister-in-law Betty Lou Murphy, brother-in-law Michael Holland, and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of her Life at Wulff Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Drive on Wednesday, September 25th from 3pm until 7pm with a prayer service at 6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mary Jo’s honor to the American Cancer Society.