Daphne Axelrod

Daphne R. Axelrod, age 60 of Faribault, MN and formerly of Cannon Falls, MN passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023 at the Emerald’s of Faribault following an extended illness.

On January 27, 2023: Daphne (Nelson) Axelrod gained her Angel wings when she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Daphne has lived with the effects from a ruptured brain aneurysm and massive stroke for nearly 22 years.  She defied all odds as the doctors said she wouldn’t live, and if she did she wouldn’t walk, talk, or feed herself, well she fooled them as she was able to do all that and so much more.  During this time, she helped so many people. For the last 11 years or so, she has been in nursing homes with the majority of the time in the Cannon Falls nursing home and most recently at The Emeralds at Faribault.  Although no one wants or wishes to be in a nursing home, she made the best of it. You could say she was the greeter at her nursing home. Whether you lived there, worked there, or were just visiting; you likely met her positive attitude and outgoing personality that made her the shining light in so many peoples life. If you ever visited Daphne, I guarantee you that she introduced you to 8 or 10 people (each time you visited). We believe Gods purpose for Daphne during these past years was to bring joy to those that work and live in a nursing home.  She thrived on social interaction her entire life.

Daphne was in the graduating class of 1980 from Hastings High School, MN and lived in many places but spent most of her years in St Peter, MN before her aneurysm.

Daphne loved watching NASCAR racing and WWF wrestling, but above all she LOVED being a mom and grandma and was an awesome sister.   She was always so proud of each of them. She would light up with excitement every time we face timed with her or visited.

Daphne is survived by her children Dana (Joel) Vande Hey and Justin Menk.  Her grandkids, Caitlin, Austin, Kierstyn, Eva, Maiah, Cora, and Marshall.  Her great grandkids, Bentley, Alayah, and Peter.  Her five siblings Dave (Deb) Nelson, Denise (Mickey) von Wiecki, Donita (Dudley) Flodeen, Daryl (Regina) Nelson, and Darrin Nelson. She was also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Vaughn Nelson, and her precious grandson Drew ‘Bear’.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Hannah's Bend Park, N 9th St, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, from 12:00 to 3:00 P.M. Celebration of Life Details