Nelson Funeral Care: A Legacy of Compassion, Now in the Hands of the Parkers

Listen to the Podcast Here: Nelson Funeral Care

Pictured: (Left) Zach, Gretta, Kayla, Paul

As Rob Nelson began planning for the succession of his Cloquet business, he turned to the next generation of funeral directors who shared his values of local ownership, service, and compassion. Rob, a graduate of the University of Minnesota's Mortuary Science Program, posted a job listing that caught the attention of two young directors who felt an immediate alignment with his philosophy.

“We read Rob’s job posting about local ownership and values around his business and felt strongly that we shared alignment with those values,” said Greta and Zachary Parker.

In May 2025, the Parkers officially became the new owners of Nelson Funeral Care and Cremation Service.

From Education to Ownership

Greta and Zach, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and west of the Twin Cities, first met while pursuing their Mortuary Science degrees at the University of Minnesota. Following graduation, they served as funeral directors in Southwest Minnesota for five years before moving north. Drawn by Northern Minnesota’s outdoor lifestyle, the couple planted roots in Cloquet in 2022, purchasing a hobby farm filled with horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, and bunnies.

The farm provides balance to their demanding profession. “This is why we have our farm—our home is our vacation spot, our place to relax and have fun as our business ties us here at all times,” shared Greta.

Carrying Forward the Nelson Legacy

Since opening in 1998, Nelson Funeral Care has been a cornerstone of the Cloquet community. Rob and Lori Nelson transformed the former Medich Snyder Drug building at 1004 Cloquet Avenue into a funeral home designed for both comfort and care, complete with a large chapel, fellowship room, private family spaces, and a grand piano.

The Parkers intend to preserve and strengthen that legacy.

“There is no service change as we take over ownership. We are here to continue the Nelson legacy and foundation and be the same resource for you,” Greta emphasized.

A Team Rooted in Community

Today, Nelson Funeral Care has a dedicated staff of 20, including four licensed funeral directors who provide responsive, compassionate care around the clock. Among them is Paul Hegstrom III, a fifth-generation funeral director connected to a long family history of service in Superior and Duluth. Another is Kayla Voelker, who is currently an intern, quickly growing into a full-time director.

The Parkers acknowledge that funeral care is deeply personal. “When a death occurs in our business, it’s all about the small details which also require pick-ups and compassionate family planning,” Greta explained. The couple relocated extended family to Cloquet to ensure they could balance their on-call responsibilities with caring for their own children.

Educating and Supporting Families

Beyond their day-to-day work, Zach and Greta are committed to helping families prepare for the future. They regularly lead Community Education classes, guiding residents through the often overwhelming process of funeral care planning. Whether in person or online, Nelson Funeral Care provides options to make arrangements at a pace and in a way that best suits each family’s needs.

“We love this business. What you give out and how you can stay true to yourself owning your business is why we love it here,” Greta said. “Our business is so personal, so sensitive—we get to meet people where they’re at and serve them well during their time of need.”

A Steady Presence in Cloquet

Zach and Greta hope to become a familiar and trusted presence as they step into ownership, just as Rob and Lori Nelson have been for nearly three decades. With deep gratitude for the foundation laid before them, they are poised to serve Cloquet families with the same dignity, compassion, and personal care that has defined Nelson Funeral Care since 1998.

Nelson Funeral Care

1004 Cloquet Avenue

Cloquet, MN 55720

(218) 879-3225

www.nelsonfuneralcare.net