Gwendolyn Jean Nelson (“Gwen”), 91, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2022 with family at her side. Gwen was born on July 11, 1931 in Duluth, the only child of William and Gertrude (Langlee) Peterson. She graduated in 1948 at the age of 16 from Denfeld High School and was anxious to put her typing and bookkeeping skills to use, working at the Courthouse and Coolerator, where she made several lifelong friends. She married the love of her life, Donald Nelson, on September 20, 1952, and together they owned and operated Don’s Swirly Top (an ice cream shop) during Don’s college years. They enjoyed 40 years of love and laughter together before Don died of cancer.
Police say they suspect a man, identified by relatives as William Darling, shot and killed his wife Melissa and their son, 11-year-old William Darling Jr.