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.

David Lorenz Devine loved a good story.Every Sunday morning, after worship, with Premier League soccer playing in the ba...
01/05/2026

David Lorenz Devine loved a good story.

Every Sunday morning, after worship, with Premier League soccer playing in the background,
David would settle into the corner of the couch with the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He always
saved the obituaries for last, reading every one. On occasion he...

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New Year = ResolutionsDo you have a goal you are starting in 2026?
01/05/2026

New Year = Resolutions

Do you have a goal you are starting in 2026?



Kenneth Paul Saumer, born March 5, 1942, to Herbert and Ruth Saumer, was born in Ortonville, Minnesota, and spent his li...
01/02/2026

Kenneth Paul Saumer, born March 5, 1942, to Herbert and Ruth Saumer, was born in Ortonville, Minnesota, and spent his life developing values of hard work, loyalty, and love for the outdoors. He graduated from Montevideo High School and later proudly served his country in the United States Navy...

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Luanna Gayle Bercyzk, 76, passed away on December 25, 2025, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd...
12/31/2025

Luanna Gayle Bercyzk, 76, passed away on December 25, 2025, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd.

Luanna was born on November 18, 1949, in Brainerd, the daughter of George and Dolly Bercyzk. From a young age, two things were always clear about Luanna: she was resilien...

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Marjorie Ann Converse, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, surrounded by her ...
12/30/2025

Marjorie Ann Converse, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 82 years old.

Born on April 20, 1943, to Hjalmer and Katherine (Fruth) Swanson, Marjorie was raised with strong family values and a deep appreciation for le...

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Mavis Galligher, age 95, passed away on December 29, 2025, in Brainerd.Mavis was born on June 24, 1930, to Charles and M...
12/30/2025

Mavis Galligher, age 95, passed away on December 29, 2025, in Brainerd.

Mavis was born on June 24, 1930, to Charles and Mabel Woodhouse. She grew up in the Pillager area. On November 1, 1952, she married Ronald Galligher. Together they raised four children, two boys and two girls. Mavis work...

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Barbara Joan Jaeche, age 85, died on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Edgewood Senior Living, Brainerd. She was born on Ma...
12/26/2025

Barbara Joan Jaeche, age 85, died on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Edgewood Senior Living, Brainerd.

She was born on May 14, 1940, to Lewis and Catherine (McNaught) Becker in Los Angeles, California. Barbara lived a life filled with love, beauty, and care for others. She grew up in norther...

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Mary Ellen Tautges, age 84, died on December 24, 2025 at Edgewood Senior Living in Brainerd.A memorial service will be h...
12/26/2025

Mary Ellen Tautges, age 84, died on December 24, 2025 at Edgewood Senior Living in Brainerd.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather beginning at 9:30 a.m. before the service....

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From our families to yours: Merry Christmas!
12/23/2025

From our families to yours: Merry Christmas!

George Penoncello, 96, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at the St. Cloud CentraCare hospital. George was bor...
12/22/2025

George Penoncello, 96, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at the St. Cloud CentraCare hospital.

George was born to John and Mary Penoncello on May 27, 1929, in Chisolm, Minnesota. He grew up at a wonderful rural homestead in Wilpen Township, between Chisolm and Hibbing. In 1952, h...

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Rose Mary Mogensen (Fleischhaker), age 90, of Brainerd, went to her resting place in heaven on Friday, December 10, 2025...
12/22/2025

Rose Mary Mogensen (Fleischhaker), age 90, of Brainerd, went to her resting place in heaven on Friday, December 10, 2025. Rose had been residing at Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin. She was born on November 5, 1935, to Henry and Catherine (Veit) Fleischhaker.

A Mass of Christian Burial wi...

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Address

202 8th Avenue NE
Brainerd, MN
56401

Telephone

+12188294755

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