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 enjoy working with you to create an obituary that accurately captures the spirit and life your loved one embodied. In...
11/14/2025

We enjoy working with you to create an obituary that accurately captures the spirit and life your loved one embodied. Infusing the obituary with touches of personality ensure their story will always be remembered.






Selecting your loved one's favorite things is the perfect way to ensure the celebration of their life is unique to them....
11/13/2025

Selecting your loved one's favorite things is the perfect way to ensure the celebration of their life is unique to them.

What's one song, flower, or food item that would represent YOU?





Steven Lyle Kohls was born December 12, 1949, in Ortonville, Minnesota to Milton Kohls and Marcella (Anderson) Kohls. He...
11/12/2025

Steven Lyle Kohls was born December 12, 1949, in Ortonville, Minnesota to Milton Kohls and Marcella (Anderson) Kohls. He was raised on a farm in western Minnesota where his love for nature and wildlife began.

Steve graduated from Ridgewater Community College with his AA degree and first expe...

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

We are honored to work closely with many of our local veterans. Their service didn't end at discharge - today, they stil...
11/11/2025

We are honored to work closely with many of our local veterans. Their service didn't end at discharge - today, they still show up and honor their fellow veterans during the heat of the summer and cold of the winter.




We want to see your hunting success stories from this weekend. Post a photo of your weekend trophy and be entered to win...
11/07/2025

We want to see your hunting success stories from this weekend. Post a photo of your weekend trophy and be entered to win a treat from Loco Espress Coffee House and Boutique.




When you need a notary - look no further. We have two available and happy to be of assistance.
11/07/2025

When you need a notary - look no further. We have two available and happy to be of assistance.




Charles “Chuck” F. Halsted, 96, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Essentia Health –...
10/31/2025

Charles “Chuck” F. Halsted, 96, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center. A retired Teacher, Coach and Dean of Students, Chuck’s impact on others was immense. His family is planning one last party in his honor – and they hop...

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

Celeste Gallant, age 73, of rural Brainerd passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday morning, October 30, ...
10/30/2025

Celeste Gallant, age 73, of rural Brainerd passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday morning, October 30, 2025, at the Lakewood Care Center in Staples, Minnesota after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, at 2:0...

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

We recommend checking in with your funeral home every couple years to update any information or make adjustments (if nee...
10/29/2025

We recommend checking in with your funeral home every couple years to update any information or make adjustments (if needed) to your plans. Things change - make sure you are being cared for by the team you feel most comfortable with.




Rainy day = continuing education progress! Both Rhonda Mareck Harting and Kendal Mallery Tuomi spent their days ensuring...
10/28/2025

Rainy day = continuing education progress! Both Rhonda Mareck Harting and Kendal Mallery Tuomi spent their days ensuring they are up to date with the changes in regulations, laws, and best practices within the funeral industry.

(Random fact: Did you know that the ancient Egyptians embalmed Baboons? We didn't.)




Duncan “Mike” Gregg, age 75, of Brainerd, MN, passed away Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 surrounded by his family and Pas...
10/26/2025

Duncan “Mike” Gregg, age 75, of Brainerd, MN, passed away Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 surrounded by his family and Pastors.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn; 3 sons, Christopher (Colleen); Nathan (Nancy); Patrick (Karleen); 2 stepchildren, Ryan (Christina); Lacie (Brent); and 12 grandchild...

View Duncan Michael Gregg'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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