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.

We have some wonderful news to share! 💙Our office “glue,” Brittany, has been blessed with sweet baby Ezra Kai — and we c...
02/26/2026

We have some wonderful news to share! đź’™

Our office “glue,” Brittany, has been blessed with sweet baby Ezra Kai — and we could not be happier for her and her family!

Brittany keeps all of us organized, smiling, and on track every single day, and now she has a precious little one keeping her on her toes in the very best way.

Please join us in congratulating Brittany and wishing her and her family many blessings, and a lifetime of happiness with their beautiful, healthy baby boy. Welcome to the world, Ezra Kai! đź’™

Deciding what is right for you and your family means getting all the options and facts. And sometimes, knowing what is t...
02/25/2026

Deciding what is right for you and your family means getting all the options and facts. And sometimes, knowing what is the popular current option helps people decide. At Nelson - Doran, no matter what direction you choose - cremation or casket - we will help ensure the celebration and honoring of your life fits your needs.




Kim “Trapper” Johnson was, in every sense of the phrase, a Major League Man. He died Friday, February 20th, 2026. Born o...
02/25/2026

Kim “Trapper” Johnson was, in every sense of the phrase, a Major League Man. He died Friday, February 20th, 2026.

Born on February 18th, 1956, near Garfield, Minnesota - town stitched into his heart and woven through his very being. Kim grew up with a love for faith, family, baseball, and t...

View Kim Jerome Johnson's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Kenneth “Ken” Anderson, 64, of Brainerd, formerly of St. Cloud, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at Good Sam...
02/24/2026

Kenneth “Ken” Anderson, 64, of Brainerd, formerly of St. Cloud, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at Good Samaritan Village – Bethany Campus, following a short and courageous battle with ALS.

Ken was born on July 29, 1961, in Maple Lake, Minnesota, to Harold and Elizabeth (Amos) A...

View Kenneth Gerald Anderson's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Loving lake life is common "Up North" unfortunately, it is not an option for our final resting place.
02/24/2026

Loving lake life is common "Up North" unfortunately, it is not an option for our final resting place.






We’re here to listen. We want to hear from you! What would you like to know? No question is too small or off limits. We ...
02/18/2026

We’re here to listen.

We want to hear from you! What would you like to know? No question is too small or off limits. We believe transparency helps families make choices they feel good about.




Your at Nelson - Doran Funeral Home are confident they will earn your trust.
02/16/2026

Your at Nelson - Doran Funeral Home are confident they will earn your trust.




We truly enjoyed spending time this week with the confirmation students at Trinity Lutheran Church! Pastor Kim provided ...
02/13/2026

We truly enjoyed spending time this week with the confirmation students at Trinity Lutheran Church! Pastor Kim provided a meaningful overview of why we hold funeral and memorial services, and we had the opportunity to share about the role of the funeral director and the responsibilities we carry in serving families. The students were attentive, engaged, and asked many thoughtful questions — it was a pleasure visiting with them.

Sheridan F. Jaeche, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Brainerd, MN on February 8, 2026.Sheridan was born on ...
02/13/2026

Sheridan F. Jaeche, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Brainerd, MN on February 8, 2026.
Sheridan was born on September 8, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Mary and Merle Jaeche.
He graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis in 1953, where he participated in football, ...

View Sheridan Fuller Jaeche's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Julie Cossette, age 65, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at her home.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Frid...
02/12/2026

Julie Cossette, age 65, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at her home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. A visitation will be for one hour prior to Mass at the church as well as on Thursday, February 19, 202...

View Julie Marie Cossette's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

If environmental impact is a priority, these considerations may help inform your choices.
02/12/2026

If environmental impact is a priority, these considerations may help inform your choices.




Judge Robert J. Ryan, 96, a lifelong resident of the Brainerd Lakes Area, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10...
02/11/2026

Judge Robert J. Ryan, 96, a lifelong resident of the Brainerd Lakes Area, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd.

The family will honor Bob’s life with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17...

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

Address

202 8th Avenue NE
Brainerd, MN
56401

Telephone

+12188294755

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