Mark A. "Nelly" Nelson, age 58, and Lani R. Nelson, age 57, both of Merrill, WI, passed away as a result of an automobile accident on Sunday, April 5, 2015. Mark was born November 5, 1956, in Rhinelander, WI, to Robert and Gloria (Marquardt) Nelson. He was a 1974 graduate of Tomahawk High School and later enlisted in the United States Army. Lani Nelson was born July 9, 1957, in Honolulu, HI, to Harold and Shirley (Coe) Hanson. She was a 1975 graduate of Edina East High School. She later attended the University of Minnesota receiving her Bachelor of Elective Studies in 1978. Mark and Lani were married on November 7, 2007, at their home in Merrill. Mark grew up in the Tomahawk area. After serving his country, he moved back to Wisconsin for a short period before moving to Minneapolis, MN, where he worked in the construction field. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son. He was an avid antique bottle collector which he started many years ago. Mark was musically talented and taught himself to play his guitar. Lani was a flight attendant with Delta Airlines for over 25 years. Throughout her travels, she was privileged to meet and become close friends with Todd and Michelle Rundgren. She enjoyed geocaching, gardening, antiquing and photography. Mark and Lani loved to socialize and meet new people. They were both members of the Tomahawk Lions Club and Relay for Life where they were active in all fundraising events. Together, they enjoyed Karaoke and spending time with family and friends. Mark and Lani had contagious smiles that lit up a room and will be greatly missed by all. Survivors for Mark Nelson include:His Mother, Gloria "Jeanny" Nelson, of Rhinelander; One Son, Michael Nelson, of Wausau;One Sister, Terri Nelson, of Rhinelander;2 Brothers, Robert (Christine) Nelson, of Merrill, and Rick (Valorie) Nelson, of Tomahawk.Mark is further survived by many Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.He was preceded in death by his Father, Robert, and Brother, Russell.Lani Nelson is survived by her Father and Step-Mother, Harold (Harry) and Elaine Hanson;Her Step-Son, Michael Nelson, of Merrill;One Brother, Scot Hanson, of Shoreview, MN; andOne Sister, Jill Hanson, of California.Lani is further survived by her Nieces, Adell (Corey) Hargreaves, of Maple Grove, MN, and Elise (fiancé Nick Kelly) Hanson, of St. Louis Park, MN.She was preceded in death by her Mother, Shirley, in 1969.Funeral services for Mark and Lani Nelson will be held on Monday, April 13, 2015, at 1:00 PM, from Generations Funeral Home in Tomahawk. Rev. Ross Nelson will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, April 12, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, and again on Monday, April 13, from 11:00 AM until the time of Services at 1:00 PM. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the families.

UPDATE: Merrill couple die in fiery crash
Posted: Apr 06, 2015 7:23 AM PDT
By Cassandra Vinch, Internet Director TOMAHAWK (WAOW) - A husband and wife from Merrill died in a fiery collision with a tree and speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, Police Chief Al Elvins said Monday.

Killed were Mark A. Nelson, 58, and his wife Lani, 57, Elvins said.

The crash happened about 1:30 a.m. Sunday on a Tomahawk street with a posted speed limit of 35 mph, the police chief said. The vehicle, a 2009 Toyota Tundra pickup truck, left the road before the crash.

Tests are being done to determine whether the husband had been drinking, Elvins said.

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LINCOLN COUNTY (WAOW) – Two people are dead after a car left the road early Sunday morning, hit a tree and caught on fire in Tomahawk, the police department said.

Police say the crash happened around 1:30 a.m. near East Somo Avenue and Charlotte Street in Tomahawk.

A 58-year-old man, the driver, and a 57-year-old woman died at the scene, according to Tomahawk Police.

Police Chief Al Elvins tells Newsline 9 speed is considered to be a factor in the crash. Elvins says toxicology tests will be performed, but the results could take several weeks.

No names have been released.

Officials say part of the road was closed for close to 12 hours as the scene was investigated.