Nelson-Doran Funeral Home

Nelson-Doran Funeral Home We strive to provide a funeral that, even though you may be heartbroken over the death, it is also beautiful, meaningful, and uplifting. Albert E. Losey. Isaac T.

It's the kind of funeral you remember, even years later, because it was the perfect tribute to someone very special. Brainerd's first undertaking firm was that of Mr. He came to Brainerd in 1882. Dean joined him in 1884. Mr. Losey continued in this business until his death in 1910. The next undertaker in Brainerd - in addition to Losey and Dean, was a man named Daniel M. Clark. Clark was in business here for 40 years, until his retirement in 1923. He died 10 year later in November of 1933. In 1910, after the death of Mr. Losey, B. C. McNamara was added to the list of undertakers. He was employed prior to coming to Brainerd in 1908 as a licensed embalmer for 6 years in the Twin Cities. He spent 2 years in Brainerd before going into business for himself. In 1924, after D. M. Clark retired. B. McNamara took over his undertaking business and renamed it the McNamara Funeral Home. Daniel E. Whitney of Sauk Center, an employee of Losey and Dean, took over the operation of the firm after the death of Mr. Dean in 1914. During the time from 1920-1927, only Whitney and McNamara are listed as the only undertakers in this period of Brainerds history after the retirement of D. In 1954, John Nelson purchased the Whitney Funeral Home at 720 Front Street and in 1956, Thomas Doran purchased the Hoenig Funeral Home at 502 Front Street. In 1960, the Nelson Funeral Chapel and the Doran Funeral Chapel merged to create the Nelson-Doran Funeral Home. At that time they built the new facility at it's current location, on the east side of Brainerd. In 1987 John Nelson retired and Thomas Doran continues with his son Michael Doran, who joined the firm in 1987. Erik Christensen joined the firm in 1988. During the winter of 1996, a cremation facility was added to the Brainerd Chapel. John Nelson died on January 9, 2003.

Currently, Byron Buxton with the Minnesota Twins has 23 homeruns this year.
09/24/2025

Currently, Byron Buxton with the Minnesota Twins has 23 homeruns this year.




Homecoming History:
09/23/2025

Homecoming History:

Discover the history of homecoming, a cherished American tradition that originated in colleges and evolved in high school celebrations.

James R. Tobiason, age 88, died on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at his home. Full obituary to follow.
09/23/2025

James R. Tobiason, age 88, died on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at his home.

Full obituary to follow.

View James Roland Tobiason's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

June Elaine Ebinger, 84, of Brainerd, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical...
09/23/2025

June Elaine Ebinger, 84, of Brainerd, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center. Her family is planning to honor her life with a Graveside Service at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd.

View June E. Ebinger's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Brain...
09/22/2025

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to the service and to stay for the luncheon that will follow. Interment will take place in Willmar, MN, at a later date...

View Nancy Ramey's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

It’s raining outside - what a great day to stop in and say hi! We are at the Ageless Expo presented by The Brainerd Cent...
09/20/2025

It’s raining outside - what a great day to stop in and say hi! We are at the Ageless Expo presented by The Brainerd Center! 9:30-2:30

09/17/2025

Funeral practices have always reflected both tradition and change. In Brainerd, families continue to honor faith-centered customs — whether Catholic, Lutheran, Protestant, or other Christian expressions — while also adapting to the needs of a modern world. Veterans’ honors, seasonal memorial gatherings, and community fellowship remain cornerstones of local life. Yet alongside these, families are seeking new and meaningful ways to remember their loved ones.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

At Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, we see how important it is to preserve the rituals that give comfort and stability while also offering space for new practices. For example:

Livestreaming services allows family and friends who cannot travel to still be present, connecting loved ones across miles.

Digital memorial pages provide a lasting space to share photos, stories, and condolences — a modern extension of the guest book.

Eco-conscious choices such as green burials, biodegradable urns, and natural cemetery spaces reflect a growing desire to honor creation while saying farewell.

Personalization — from video tributes and themed displays to incorporating favorite hobbies, music, or even recipes — ensures that each service tells the story of a unique life.

A Community-Wide Perspective

Just as Catholic families may gather for a Funeral Mass, Lutheran and Protestant congregations may center their services around Scripture and hymnody, while veterans’ funerals include salutes and flag ceremonies. In every tradition, the heart remains the same: a gathering of people to grieve, remember, and find hope together. What’s changing is how these services are shared, customized, and preserved for future generations.

Looking Ahead with Care

As technology and cultural values evolve, one thing remains constant: the deep human need to mark the significance of a life lived. Funerals, whether traditional or modern, continue to provide a sacred pause — a moment to remember, to honor, and to support one another.

At Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, our mission is to walk alongside families in Brainerd and beyond with both respect for time-honored traditions and openness to the new ways families find meaningful. Whether through a candlelit church service, a livestreamed memorial, or a gathering filled with personal touches, we believe every farewell should reflect both the story of a loved one’s life and the love of the community that surrounds them.

Well said. Make it a great day!
09/17/2025

Well said.

Make it a great day!

On this beautiful WARM fall day, we thought we would take a poll:Comment:🧅Pumpkin SpiceOR🍎Caramel Apple
09/16/2025

On this beautiful WARM fall day, we thought we would take a poll:

Comment:
🧅Pumpkin Spice
OR
🍎Caramel Apple



Come out and see next Saturday!
09/14/2025

Come out and see next Saturday!

We are THRILLED to be working with these wonderful exhibitor businesses for our 13th Annual Ageless Expo is 9/20/25 at Forestview Middle School from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Be sure and catch the 1:30 pm lively performance by Norman’s Bait & Tackle Choir. Plus, the classic car showcase adds that extra touch of nostalgia. Best of all, it’s completely free, casual, and open to the public. THANK YOU, MMFCU, for supporting this event!

Help us wish one of our funeral directors, Rhonda, a very happy birthday! We hope her day is full of all of her favorite...
09/10/2025

Help us wish one of our funeral directors, Rhonda, a very happy birthday!

We hope her day is full of all of her favorites: good food, reading, sunshine, and lots of laughs.

Father Gabriel is currently in Rome - we will send him an IOU for when he returns.Today is GREAT to celebrate and show y...
09/09/2025

Father Gabriel is currently in Rome - we will send him an IOU for when he returns.

Today is GREAT to celebrate and show your CARE.





Address

202 8th Avenue NE
Brainerd, MN
56401

Telephone

+12188294755

Website

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