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.

What to bring? What captures our loved ones best? Here are some good tips on how to create a meaningful display for a fu...
03/12/2026

What to bring? What captures our loved ones best? Here are some good tips on how to create a meaningful display for a funeral or memorial celebration.




Knowing what to expect helps you - and us. When we ask about size or location it is to ensure we bring the right equipme...
03/11/2026

Knowing what to expect helps you - and us. When we ask about size or location it is to ensure we bring the right equipment and staff to care for your loved one.



Bradley Norwood, age 65, died on Sunday, March 8, 2026.Services are pending at this time.
03/10/2026

Bradley Norwood, age 65, died on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Services are pending at this time.

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

Who do you call? It's not ghostbusters! This is one of the more common questions we get at the funeral home. People wan...
03/10/2026

Who do you call? It's not ghostbusters! This is one of the more common questions we get at the funeral home. People want to know what to do in the event some one they love passes away at home. Here are some insights:




We get this question at least a few times a year; here are a few facts regarding the gold in our dental fillings.
03/10/2026

We get this question at least a few times a year; here are a few facts regarding the gold in our dental fillings.





03/09/2026

As the days grow longer and the air warms, I hope you feel the promise of spring in your own life along with the gentle encouragement to step forward, the determination to try something new, and the joy to let it all take root. We’re grateful to share this season with you, and we look forward to all the ways we’ll continue to grow together. Warm regards, Darcy Walkowiak, Executive Director

James T. Karlson passed away on March 4, 2026.He is survived by his daughter, Kari (Eric); son, Mike; grandchildren, Eri...
03/09/2026

James T. Karlson passed away on March 4, 2026.

He is survived by his daughter, Kari (Eric); son, Mike; grandchildren, Erika; Timothy; Sonoma; and Matthew; great granddaughter, Sophia; sister, Eloise; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Carolyn “Carrie” J. Schuety (Wetherbee) age 68 passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her husband and childre...
03/09/2026

Carolyn “Carrie” J. Schuety (Wetherbee) age 68 passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her husband and children on Tuesday March, 3rd 2026 after a 2 year battle with cancer.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 1-4:00 p.m. at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home...

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

“Gratitude turns even the smallest act of kindness into a lasting blessing.” 🤍
03/08/2026

“Gratitude turns even the smallest act of kindness into a lasting blessing.” 🤍




Amy Green, age 58, died Monday, March 2, 2026 at her home in Brainerd. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, M...
03/06/2026

Amy Green, age 58, died Monday, March 2, 2026 at her home in Brainerd.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. at Community of Hope Church of the Nazarene in Brainerd.

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

Lucille Miotke, age 97, died on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. M...
03/05/2026

Lucille Miotke, age 97, died on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd at 11:00 a.m. family and friends are invited to gather for one ...

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

“Flowers may only last a few days, but the love they represent lasts forever.” 💐
03/05/2026

“Flowers may only last a few days, but the love they represent lasts forever.” 💐



Address

202 8th Avenue NE
Brainerd, MN
56401

Telephone

+12188294755

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