Cover photo for Deane Ada Sorenson Nelson's Obituary
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Deane Ada Sorenson Nelson

d. July 11, 2017

Deane Ada Sorenson Nelson

Deane Ada Sorenson Nelson, of Gulfport, MS died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at the age of 82. Deane was born February 13, 1935 in Bogalusa, LA to Fred Sorenson and Tena Louise Sorenson and graduated from Bogalusa High School. She is survived by Donald Nelson, her husband of sixty-three wonderful years, and her sons Daniel Nelson and his wife Amanda Galt Nelson of Wasilla, AK and Donald Nelson and his wife Kristin of Scituate, MA. Deane was predeceased by her son David of Springfield, Illinois. Deane was a gentle and caring grandmother to grandchildren Naomi Kettner, Daniel Nelson, Jr., Jonathan “Jonny” Nelson, Tina Haisley, Hannah Nelson, Dylan Nelson, Declan Nelson, Donald Jacob “DJ” Nelson and Willow Nelson. She was a great-grandmother to Trydell Nelson, Samantha Kettner, Anthony Nelson, Andrew Haisley, Derek Westfall, Jaxson Kettner, Oakley Nelson, Ryder Kettner and Holden Nelson. She is survived by her three sisters, Mabel Denham, Helen Mizell and Bess Carter and predeceased by her brother George “Bud” Sorenson. Deane enjoyed traveling with her husband and her dear friend Bertha Bousley a fellow Alaskan Postmaster. Deane rose through the US Postal Service from a part time carrier in Minnesota to postmaster for three different towns in Alaska - Barrow, Nome, and Seward. She retired from Seward in 1995 and turned her attention to the Van Gilder Hotel, a historical hotel owned by Deane and her husband from 1986 to 2000. Upon selling the hotel and “finally” retiring, she and Donald moved to Gulfport in 2001 to enjoy family, the warmth of the sand, and the sound of the Gulf. This dream was dashed when Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home and they moved to Coeur D’Alene, ID in 2006. The gravity of friends and warmth once again pulled Deane and Donald back to Gulfport in 2013. Deane had many interests over the years which she poured her energy into including bridge, bowling, painting, DAR, genealogy, piano, gardening and traveling. She continually enjoyed new experiences and challenges. She was a two time cancer survivor that would not surrender. Visitation and viewing will be held Monday, July 17, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th St. Gulfport, MS. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Gulfport, MS at 10AM with a visitation an hour prior. Interment at the Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave., Biloxi, MS. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations in Deane’s name to; MD Anderson Cancer Center, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486., www.mdanderson.org/gifts. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com
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Past Services

Visitation

Monday, July 17, 2017

5:00 - 8:00 pm

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home - 15th Street

1726 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501

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Service

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Starts at 10:00 am

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home - 15th Street

1310 Hargett Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540

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Cemetery

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Gulfport

59 Wayside Rd, Stuart, VA 24171

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