Obituary of Leone Nelson Zopff

Leone (Jaenson) Nelson Zopff, age 94, of Minneapolis and the Gunflint Trail, passed away March 9, 2024.

Preceded in death by her parents, two brothers; husbands Jack Nelson and Fred Zopff.  

Lee was born in St. Cloud, MN, in 1930.  She graduated from Tech High School & was named the Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes in 1949.  Lee attended Gustavus Adolphus College where she met her husband, Jocko. They owned Jocko’s Clearwater Lodge on the Gunflint Trail for many years and following Jocko’s early death, she ran the resort on her own for several years.  Lee then spent summers at her home on Leo Lake, where she hosted friends and family.  Lee was an active member of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society and the Gunflint Trail Quilters; she volunteered at Chik-wauk Museum, Westminster Church and Orchestra Hall. Lee was a wonderful wife, mother, businesswoman, grandmother and friend.  She was a talented baker, seamstress, knitter, quilter and loved craft projects.  Lee loved to support her grandchildren by attending events, games, concerts and many birthday parties.

Survived by children, Margaret (John Books), Jackie (Mike Gulden), Dan, Bob (Angela); grandchildren, Jenny, Patrick, Hannah, Caroline, Jack; 3 great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, on Saturday, May 4th.  Visitation from 10-11am, funeral service at 11am.  A luncheon reception will follow at the church. 

A private burial service for family will be held over Memorial Weekend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Dept (www.gunflint911.org)