Ingrid Marie Helen (Nelson) Lawrenz

Ingrid Marie Helen Lawrenz, of the Town of Liberty Grove, passed away at home on August 25, 2025, at the age of 68 after a brief but difficult illness.

She was born in Door County on January 14, 1957, to the late Harlow and Lucille Nelson. To Ingrid, Door County was always her true home, though she and her husband Mel lived in Waukesha for more than 40 years. Two years ago they returned to Door County, living on the land her immigrant Swedish great-grandfather settled and farmed 150 years ago.

Ingrid and Mel both attended Carroll College in Waukesha as a married couple. She went on to get a master’s degree and was a professional counselor for more than 20 years. Ingrid was a loving and nurturing mother to daughter Eva, born in 1987 and died in 2017, and son Christopher. The natural world was her joy, including watching birds and other wildlife, and cultivating beautiful gardens. Her cats were close companions over the years, and laid with her in the final days when cancer was doing its mean work. Ingrid made deep bonds with friends and family who benefited from her generosity, grace, kindness, and respect.

Ingrid's faith in Jesus Christ, going back to her childhood, was deep and genuine and unshakable. She knew illness and fragility, but was strong and persevering. A tough Swede, in the best sense.

There will be a funeral service for Ingrid in Door County, and a few days later a memorial service in Brookfield, WI.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay with Rev. Dr. John Mackett officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Burial will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Little Sister Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.

Additionally, a memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2025 in the chapel at Elmbrook Church, 777 South Barker Rd. Brookfield, WI 53045.

Ingrid is survived by her husband, Mel; her son, Christopher; her sister, C. Nelson; and her sister-in-law, Lynne Lawrenz (Don) Grasse. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Eva Helen; and by her parents, Lucille and Harlow Nelson.

Casperson Funeral Home of Sister Bay is assisting Ingrid's family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Ingrid may be shared with family through her tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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