Genevieve (Gen) Mary Nelson, Wanner, Osborne died on March 6, 2024, her mother’s birthday, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN.  Gen was born July 5, 1923, in Hudson, WI to Victor and Florence Nelson. 100 years on this earth!

Gen attended St. Patrick’s Catholic grade school and graduated with honors from Hudson High school in 1941. She was in the journalism club, True Blue Times assistant editor and high school music program.

Following high school graduation, Gen worked in the office of United Refrigerator Company in Hudson for 3 years.

Gen met Charles (Chuck) Frederick Wanner of Hudson the summer of 1942. He was drafted to the US Army stationed in Indiantown Gap, PA. She remained in Hudson until they married on June 12, 1944, in Indiantown Gap, PA where they resided. They returned to Hudson after the war ended and made Hudson their home.

Gen returned to work at United Refrigerator Company for five years until the birth of their first child in 1954. They welcomed four more children over the next 10 years while Chuck ran Wanner Building Service, a local building construction company and served as Hudson Fire Chief.

On October 16, 1976, Chuck passed away suddenly at the age of 58. They had been married 32 years. Following his death, Gen worked in the office of Kermott Agency until she retired in 1985.

Gen was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church her entire life. She was involved in many fundraising activities, and a member of St. Patrick’s Council of Catholic Women.

On April 22, 1989, Gen was united in marriage to Earl Martin Osborne of Hudson, WI. Together they enjoyed grandkids, traveling and many trips to the casino. Earl passed away on December 22, 2008, at the age of 90. They had been married 20 years.

Gen is survived by her children: Ben (Robin) Wanner, Townsend, MT, Lynn (Walt) Ogburn, Stillwater, MN, Lisa (David) Spott, Luck, WI, William (Kristen) Wanner, Hudson, WI, and her sister Betty Harrington, Stillwater, MN.

Gen was blessed with 12 grandchildren who loved her dearly: Abby Spott (Dave Hafiz), Amy (Chris) Jensen, Kristin (Steven) Mitchell, Kelly (Tim) Flesch, Lindsey (William) Bond, Chris (Payton) Wanner, Nicole Flack, Jill Wanner (Jacob Bergo), Stacey Wanner, Charles (Alyssa) Wanner, Grace (Cal) Koebler, and Hazel Wanner (Brody Muller).

Gen loved to spend time with her great grandchildren as they grew in age and numbers: Zachary, Morgan and Madeline Jensen; Collins and Myers Mitchell; Genevieve, Theodore and James Flesch; Beckem Bond; Alexis, Hunter and Iris Wanner. Charles and Alyssa Wanner are expecting a baby boy summer of 2024.

Preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Florence Nelson, in-laws, Ben and Wilhelmen Wanner, husband Charles Wanner, husband Earl Osborne, daughter-in-law Nancy Wanner, son John Wanner, and great grandchild Briggs Bond.

Family was most important to Gen. She enjoyed spending time at their small cottage on the Namekagon River near Hayward, WI, and family summer camping trips to Montana. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing for over 30 years. She loved flowers and her beautiful gardens were designed and maintained by her son John Wanner. They brought great joy to her and everyone who passed by. She enjoyed spending time with her neighbors, friends and strangers walking down the street. She loved life and was able to stay in her own home until the end.

A visitation for Gen will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St. Hudson, WI 54016.  A Mass of Christian Burial will start at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at Willow River Cemetery.

To view service live, please click HERE