About Us
For more than 140 years, families in the Brainerd Lakes Area have turned to Nelson-Doran Funeral Home for guidance, compassion, and care during life's most difficult moments.
Our story began in 1882, when Brainerd's first funeral professionals laid the foundation for what would become a long-standing tradition of service to our community. Through generations of dedicated funeral directors, changing times, and evolving traditions, one thing has never changed: our commitment to helping families honor the people they love.
Today, Nelson-Doran remains family-owned and locally operated, combining deep roots in our community with a modern approach to funeral and cremation services. We believe every life deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the individual—whether through a traditional service, a personalized memorial, or a unique gathering that tells a meaningful story.
Our team brings more than 200 years of combined experience, but what matters most is how we serve. We listen. We guide. We support. And we work alongside each family to create experiences that bring comfort, connection, and healing.
The Nelson-Doran family includes Michael Doran, Rhonda Mareck Harting, and Kendal Mallery Tuomi, along with a dedicated staff committed to serving every family with professionalism, compassion, and respect. Together, we honor a legacy that began more than a century ago while continuing to meet the needs of families today.
For generations, we've been more than a funeral home. We've been neighbors helping neighbors, friends supporting friends, and a trusted presence in the Brainerd Lakes community.
We're honored to continue that tradition—and to serve your family whenever you need us.
A Legacy of Service
- 1882 – Funeral service begins in Brainerd.
- 1910 – McNamara Funeral Home is established.
- 1954 – John Nelson acquires Whitney Funeral Home.
- 1956 – Thomas Doran acquires Hoenig Funeral Home.
- 1960 – Nelson-Doran Funeral Home is formed.
- 1984 – Michael Doran and Erik Christensen begin working together, continuing a tradition of exceptional service to families throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area.
- 1996 – An on-site crematory is added, expanding service options for families.
- 2017 – The funeral home undergoes a major renovation, including the addition of gathering and luncheon space to better serve families and guests.
- 2019 – Rhonda Mareck Harting and Kendal Mallery Tuomi join the well-established team, helping steward Nelson-Doran into its next generation of service.
- Today – Nelson-Doran Funeral Home continues its legacy of compassionate care, serving families with professionalism, innovation, and heart.
