North Lake Location- Darlene "Doll" Lila (Rogers) Nelson, age 90, of 1085 School St., Ishpeming, MI, passed away peacefully at UPHS-Marquette, surrounded by her loving family on the evening of February 3, 2023.

Darlene was born in Cornishtown, Negaunee, MI on January 2, 1933, daughter of the late Russell & Lila Rogers. She quit High School to marry her sweetheart, the late Robert E. "Leggy" Nelson, who she spent her life happily married to until his passing in June 1996. She later went back to school and received her GED in 1976.

Darlene has held many different jobs throughout her lifetime, which include Sales Clerk positions at various stores and working as a Nurse's Aide. She was well known for being a wonderful caretaker, not only in the workplace , but also at home, always taking care of others, especially her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Hobbies Darlene enjoyed included crosswords, other puzzles, and knitting. She knit many pairs of mittens and socks and would often give them away to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even neighbors' children. She also spent a lot of her time doing her "bookwork." She was very well-known as being very well-organized… and missed her calling as a secretary or accountant! Darlene was also a member of the VFW, and in earlier years would spend time socializing with friends.

Darlene is survived by 3 of her children: Robert P. "Rup" (JoAnn) Nelson, Susan F. "Sue Sue" (Monte) Perry, and Danny L. "Whiskers" (Kathryn) Nelson; 9 grandchildren: Taryn (Sean) Francis, Kraig (Beth) Nelson, Monte Perry, Jr., Stacie (Jaime) Shelton, Kathy Jo Nelson, Erica (Tom) West, Lori Peterson, Jessica Nelson, Jennifer Nelson; 18 great-grandchildren, 5 great great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her God-daughter, Toni Mataya.

Darlene was exceptionally close to her granddaughter, Kathy Jo, who she raised much of her life like a daughter.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Russell & Lila (Hill) Rogers, her husband, Robert E. Nelson, her daughters, Baby Susan and Shirley J. (Lee) Bushong, 4 sisters, Shirley (Edward) Doucette, Joyce (John) Pavicic, Joan (Garth) Stanaway, and Marilyn (Peter) Gidlund, and her granddaughter, Bobbi Sue (Jason) Roeder.

Darlene "Doll" "Nana" will be greatly missed by so many. A "Celebration of Life" may be held at a later time and will be announced when arrangements are made.

Darlene's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.