Maryann L. Nelson

Maryann L. Nelson, age 78 formerly of Fall Creek passed away Monday, March 9, 2026 at Grace Edgewood in Altoona.

Maryann L. Nelson, 78, formerly of Fall Creek, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Grace Edgewood in Altoona.

She was born on Aug. 9, 1947, to John and Rosemary Carbon in Tacoma, Washington. After spending her early years there, the family returned to Eau Claire, Wis., where Maryann later graduated from Altoona High School and then earned a degree in Mechanical Drafting from Chippewa Valley Technical College.

Maryann met her husband, Kenneth, while working at Presto Industries. The couple were married on May 17, 1969, in Minnesota and were blessed with three sons: twins Kenneth and Kevin, and their youngest, Keith. In addition to raising their three sons, Maryann and Kenneth opened their home to numerous foster children. One of them, Kari Harrison, remained in their lives and was loved as a daughter.

A hardworking and generous woman, Maryann was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, including her neighbors. For 28 years, she worked as a cook at the Hilltop Recreation Center at UW–Eau Claire, where she took great joy in interacting with students – some of whom called her Mom. Outside of work, she found happiness in tending her garden and beautiful flower beds. Maryann and Kenneth also shared their home with many beloved pets over the years, including several very spoiled and well‑loved dachshunds.

Maryann is survived by her son Kevin; his wife, Maria. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Rudolf “Rudy” and Rosemary Holm Carbon; her husband, Kenneth, in 2023; her sons, Kenneth in 1993 and Keith in 1995; and many cherished pets, including her last dachshund, Little Bit. She will be deeply missed by her family, close friends Greg and Marv, the foster children she cared for, longtime neighbors, and former co‑workers and students at UW–Eau Claire.

Funeral service for Maryann will take place at 12 pm (noon) on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Hulke Family Funeral Home.  Visitation will take place that day at the funeral home from 10:30 am until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Mellen Union Cemetery in Mellen, Wisconsin. To view the service virtually please use the link provided View Service

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice and the compassionate, caring staff at Grace Edgewood for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Community Cat Center https://communitycatcenter.net/  Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maryann L. Nelson, please visit our floral store.