Jean T. Nelson, 76, of White Pine, MI passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Saint Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI.

Jean was born at home, on Quincy Hill in Hancock, MI to Christian and Lucille Voelker on January 17, 1935. She married William S. Nelson on May 12, 1956 in Hancock, MI.

Jean worked as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell in the 1950's. She later worked for the Ontonagon Intermediate School District as a teacher's aide, transferring to the Gogebic Ontonagon Intermediate School District. She worked there for 20+ years.

Jean was an avid seamstress, loved to reupholster, and stitched many a fine quilt for family and friends. In later years, Jean loved her books, needlepoint, and cross-stitch. "Mama Jeano" or "Grandma J," as she was affectionately known by family, also had a keen sense for crossword puzzles. Jean was best noted for her amazing cooking and baking abilities.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Robert and Frances Voelker and her sister Mary Voelker. She is survived by her husband William Nelson of White Pine, MI; her sister Margie (Voelker) Bertolli of Green Bay, WI; her son Eric Nelson and his wife Suzanne Nelson of Whitefish Bay, WI; her daughters Christine (Nelson) McComb and husband Mark McComb of Beaver Creek, OH; Therese Nelson of White Pine, MI; Patricia Nelson of Hurley, WI; Ann (Nelson) Brown and husband Douglas Brown of Broomfield, CO; and Angela (Nelson) Carlson and husband Brian Carlson of Wallace, MI; grandchildren Emily, Sarah, Benjamin, Simon and Margaret Nelson of Whitefish Bay, WI; Shay McComb of Beaver Creek, OH; Brenna and Ethan Brown of Broomfield, CO; and Wyatt and Garrett Carlson of Wallace, MI.

Rest in peace Jean.

Jean's husband, William S. Nelson, passed away December 8, two days after Jean.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 for both Jean T. Nelson and her husband, William S. Nelson, from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. at Cane Funeral Home, 310 N. Steel St, Ontonagon, MI. The service will immediately follow visitation. There will be a luncheon at the AmericInn in Silver City, MI from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. Spring interment and memorial will be determined at a later date.