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 busine

ss 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.

Jeffrey (Jeff) Steven Shanks, 64, passed away May 19, 2026, in Cook, MN. Jeffrey was born on January 22, 1962, to H. Dal...
05/22/2026

Jeffrey (Jeff) Steven Shanks, 64, passed away May 19, 2026, in Cook, MN. Jeffrey was born on January 22, 1962, to H. Dale and Mary (Buxton) Shanks in Brainerd, MN.

Jeffrey worked along with his dad (Dale) in the heating business, Shanks Heating. Jeff loved over the road trucking – 14 years. ...

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

Kind words like these remind us why we do what we do. Our goal has always been to provide guidance, professionalism, gen...
05/21/2026

Kind words like these remind us why we do what we do. Our goal has always been to provide guidance, professionalism, genuine relationships, and to help take a little stress off the shoulders of families during difficult times. Thank you for trusting us to walk alongside you. ❤️



Leonard Wagner, age 87, died at his home on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.A private family service will be held.Lenny was born J...
05/19/2026

Leonard Wagner, age 87, died at his home on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

A private family service will be held.

Lenny was born January 29, 1939 in Brainerd to Earl and Wilma (Hradsky) Wagner. Leonard was a hardworking man who dedicated 43 years of his life to Potlatch, where he built not o...

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

05/18/2026

Alice Marie Pietruszewski, age 98, formerly of Northeast Minneapolis and near Zimmerman, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Northern Lakes Senior Living in Baxter.

Service times will be posted when confirmed.

Alice was born on April 29, 1928, ...

Explore our obituary listings at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home for compassionate support during your time of loss and remembrance of loved ones.

Cornelius Patrick “Pat” Baldwin, age 91, of Lake Shore, MN and Estero, FL died on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Essentia Healt...
05/18/2026

Cornelius Patrick “Pat” Baldwin, age 91, of Lake Shore, MN and Estero, FL died on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Christophers Catholic Church in Nisswa. A visitation...

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

Lyle Kline, age 86, of Nisswa, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, at Hills Crossing Senior Living in Nisswa, one da...
05/15/2026

Lyle Kline, age 86, of Nisswa, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, at Hills Crossing Senior Living in Nisswa, one day before his 87th birthday.

Lyle was born on May 13, 1939, to Edward and Elsie (Brzazowsky) Kline. He dedicated much of his life to music education and inspiring generation...

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

🌸 Choosing Flowers for the Cemetery 🌸As the seasons change, many families ask what flowers hold up best and feel most me...
05/13/2026

🌸 Choosing Flowers for the Cemetery 🌸

As the seasons change, many families ask what flowers hold up best and feel most meaningful when placed at the cemetery. Here are a few thoughtful options:

🌼 Hardy favorites: Geraniums, marigolds, and petunias—beautiful and durable through changing weather
🌷 Spring classics: Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths for early color and renewal
🌺 Perennials: Peonies, daylilies, and hostas that return year after year
🌿 Low-maintenance options: Succulents or artificial arrangements for longer-lasting tributes

Whether simple or elaborate, what matters most is choosing something that reflects your loved one.

If you ever have questions about placement or cemetery guidelines, we’re always here to help—your hometown friends 🤍

Gail Murdock, age 86, died on Monday, May 11, 2026 at her home.Services will be held at a later date.Gail is survived by...
05/12/2026

Gail Murdock, age 86, died on Monday, May 11, 2026 at her home.

Services will be held at a later date.

Gail is survived by her husband of 68 years, Benton; daughter, Gina (Ron) Brusven; six grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She is preceded ...

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

Jane Elisabeth Maxwell, age 69, of Buffalo, Mn, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, surrounded by the love ...
05/12/2026

Jane Elisabeth Maxwell, age 69, of Buffalo, Mn, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Jane was born on August 20, 1956, to David and Joan Lofgren. She was raised in Hoffman, a small town in western Minnesota, where she learned the enduring val...

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

Beverly “Bev” Jean OReilly, 79, of Cold Spring, passed peacefully on Friday May 8, 2026, at Good Sheppherd Community in ...
05/11/2026

Beverly “Bev” Jean OReilly, 79, of Cold Spring, passed peacefully on Friday May 8, 2026, at Good Sheppherd Community in Sauk Rapids, MN.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather ...

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

Catherine Therese (nee, Style) Olson, 96, of Brainerd passed away peacefully on May 9,2026 at Northern Lakes Senior Livi...
05/11/2026

Catherine Therese (nee, Style) Olson, 96, of Brainerd passed away peacefully on May 9,2026 at Northern Lakes Senior Living in Baxter, Minnesota, with her loving family at her side.


Cathy was born in Fairmont, Minnesota to Mary M. (Tobin) and Glenmore R. Style. Cathy was the tenth of twel...

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

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202 8th Avenue NE
Brainerd, MN
56401

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+12188294755

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