Loa Nelson

Loa Nelson, 81, died peacefully on March 11, 2021, at her home in Platteville, WI, with her two children, daughter-in-law, and beloved cats by her side.  Memorial graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at County Line Cemetery, rural Mineral Point. Rev. Zayna Thomley will officiate. Following the service at 12:30 p.m. a time of fellowship and lunch will be held at the Broske Center East Hall, Legion Park, Platteville.  Memorial contributions can be made to your public broadcasting stations or local animal shelters.

Loa lived an interesting life that took her through many states and she enjoyed her travels to foreign places. As a career banker and business woman, she enjoyed antique dealing in retirement. She enjoyed beautiful and interesting homes and left each one owned better that she found it.

Loa Marlene Anderson was born on May Day on a farm near Middlebury Church outside Hollandale, WI, to Gladys Lenore Klosterman and William Henry Anderson, one of eight children. She graduated high school and began college studies in Platteville. Loa moved briefly to St. Louis, MO, with her sister Wilma, where she first worked in banking.

Loa married Rodney Mueller in 1960 and moved to San Diego, CA, where as a Navy wife, she worked in banking and had children Michele and Matthew. The family moved to Anchorage, AK, in 1968. Loa enjoyed working for Dan Cuddy at First National Bank of Anchorage, where in 1972 she became one of the first female bank officers. Loa married Lawrence Nelson in 1986 at their home in Brookfield, WI, where they transferred with his FBI assignment. Following his retirement, Loa and Larry built and operated a new Sears retail store in River Falls, WI, from 1997 to 2001, a venture they co-managed and enjoyed. They moved to Aitkin, MN, Larry's hometown, in 2001 and purchased the historic Patrick Casey home, built in 1895 and listed on the National Historic Register. Loa owned Crow Wing Antiques in Crosby, MN, where she made many friends and connected antique treasures with next owners. She supported the Jacques Art Museum by hosting high teas and lawn parties. Loa and Larry enjoyed travels to England, France, and Amsterdam. Loa enjoyed sea cruises with family and friends and enjoyed casino slot machines.

Loa returned to Platteville in 2019, finding another historic home, where she could live near extended family. Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, Loa begrudgingly adjusted to a quieter life at home, supported by Grant County Hospice, Home Instead Senior Care, and her children in residence her final six months.

Loa is survived by her daughter, Michele Schuh (Michael), Anchorage, AK; and son, Matthew Mueller (Loydene), Hillsboro, OR; granddaughters, Sarah and Katherine Schuh; first husband, Rodney Mueller, Everett, WA; siblings, Marshall Anderson (Bernetta), Platteville, WI, Wilma Anderson, Raleigh, NC, Marlene Messling (LaRoy), Deerfield, WI, Laurel Anderson (Pat), Almena, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews. Loa was preceded in death by her second husband Larry Nelson, brother Carroll Anderson, and sister Moya Thomas.