Tawnee Nelson, 30

Tawnee Rose Nelson, 30, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away at her home on Friday, October 25, 2024.

Tawnee was born February 19, 1994 in Austin, Minnesota to Scott Nelson and Tammi (Smoltz) Nelson. She grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 2012. She enjoyed working various factory jobs where she was hard-working and took each job very seriously.

Tawnee was extremely creative and artsy; she loved to draw and was a gifted writer. She enjoyed collecting crystals, with each one holding a different meaning to her. Spending time outdoors, hiking, was a favorite pastime. She also liked caring for her plants and succulents. Tawnee was devoted to her sweet “Kitter Kids” whom she loved dearly and she cherished time spent with her sister, nieces and nephews. Tawnee was original and lived her life in her own unique way. It was her dream to own a small cottage on a llama farm. She was free-spirited and loved to say that she was “always on a journey called life”. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her. You are free now Princess Tawnn-a-bella-to too.

She was preceded in death by her grandpas, Tony Kartes and Thomas Nelson; grandma Rosie, grandma Mildred; and her yorkie, Fancee May and yorkie, Chilli.

Tawnee is survived by her mother and stepfather: Tammi “Mummsie” Nelson and Trent “Pa” Kartes, Austin, MN; siblings: Cody Smoltz, Rochester, MN, Gabe (Daysha) Kartes, Blooming Prairie, MN, Brooklynn “Cook” Kartes and Dakotah Neville, Austin, MN; nieces and nephews: C.J. Smoltz, Sofia Neville, Grady Kartes, Finnley Neville, Gwendolyn Kartes, and Delilah Neville; father and stepmother: Scott and Shar Nelson, Austin, MN; siblings: Alexsis Riles, Austin, MN and Jaxson Loecher, Austin, MN; grandparents: John and Lois Smoltz, St. Charles, MN, Sherry Kartes, Blooming Prairie, MN, Joyce Clinkscales, Cedar Rapids, IA; aunts and uncles: Terry (Nancy) Smoltz, Fridley, MN, Sherri Smoltz, St. Charles, MN, Chris (Vicky) Smoltz, Iowa, T.J. (Kathy) Kartes, Blooming Prairie, MN, Edward (Kim) Nelson, Buffalo, MN, and Theresa Kurtz, Cedar Rapids, IA; dear friend: Tianns; Kitter Kids: Katskii and Llanna; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, November 4th at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Reverend David Simerson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.