Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Madonna M. Nelson, 65, of Cedar Falls, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Unity Point-Allen Hospital with her family by her side.
Madonna was born on February 6, 1961, in Freeport, NY, to Donald G. and Gladys I. (Brookes) Burkitt. She graduated from High School and went on to attend Iowa Central. Madonna married Clinton G. Nelson; he preceded her in death on December 5, 2022.
Madonna worked as a Nurse’s Aide at various nursing homes in the Cedar Valley. She was very passionate about Art and loved creating pieces in various mediums. Madonna was a dedicated Scout mother for over 20 years and considered all of Brandon’s troop mates as her own children. She was a longtime member of Prairie Lakes Church where she spent countless hours in the kitchen making meals and serving others.
She is also preceded in death by her parents.
Madonna is survived by her son, Brandon Nelson; siblings, Michael Burkitt, Mark (Lisa) Burkitt, Deborah Poe, Dawn (Tim) Reid, Donita (Gordon) Krueger, Melanie Burkitt, and Joy (Brian Beeker) Everhard; two stepsiblings, Randall (Melissa) Petersen, and Jennifer Justus; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Gathering and Funeral Service: Family to receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo. Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Family burial to take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family.
Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.
Celebration of Life
February 16, 2026
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Funeral Service
February 16, 2026
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Brandon and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know get as much, not being in the OA, but everyone knew who she was and she was always willing to help. She always kept after Keegan to keep him in line and get her any info he may have not gotten to her yet. Prayers to you and your family.
To my fellow Woodbadge Owl Patrol member, your mother was a dedicated Scouter for many years to the youth of Winnebago Council. Her servant heart always held a special place for my oldest son Tim and helped guide Michael’s journey through the OA. May the memories you’ve made as a family sustain you in the upcoming days/years. She will be missed by many.
Condolences to all from Troop 66 in Decorah. We are grateful for Madonna’s life and her impact on scouting in NE Iowa.
Brandon and family, I’m saddened by the passing of my fellow Antelope Madonna. Here dedication to Scouting and the Order of the Arrow serves as an inspiration to all who had the blesssings of knowing her. May she enter the gates of Heaven and be a part of the eternal campfire in the sky.