Nelson, William "Bill"
William I. "Bill" Nelson, passed away June 25, 2013, at the age of 72, at his home surrounded by his family, and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care.
Bill married the love of his life, Virginia (Ginger) in July, 1964. They were blessed with three sons, William, Stevens Point, WI. (Michelle Laucke); Robert, Junction City, WI (Dana & Children Robert, Sebastian and Juelena); and Brian (Connie) of Powder Springs, GA.
Bill was born, July 15, 1940, in Manitowoc, WI. His Parents, Alfred and Iris Nelson, preceded him in death along with his Father & Mother-in-law, Adolph and June Schwartz. Bill was also preceded in death by two brother-in-laws, Tom Schwartz and Steve McGill.
Bill was very athletic throughout his life. In high school, his game high in basketball was 41 points and his half-court shot put his team State bound. He graduated from Lincoln High School of Manitowoc, in 1958.
Bill attended UW Madison and then transferred to Stevens Point College (UWSP) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation Bill accepted a position at the YMCA in Port Edwards, WI where he was the Athletic Director and later Executives Director. At the YMCA, Bill started the flag football program, taught swimming and golf lessons. He was also in charge of basketball leagues, handball tournaments, fitness classes, and was always there when a young person needed some guidance and someone to talk to. Bill received many awards in athletics and was ranked 8th nationally in handball.
Bill moved his family to Stevens Point, WI in 1976, and later he and Ginger started Nelson Supply Co.
Bill was very active in the Plover Youth Baseball Program, as he coached for 25 years. He was one of the three men who founded the UWSP Men's Basketball Backcourt Club and remained very active for many years, which is thriving yet today.
Bill is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Marilyn McGill, Oregon, WI, and Clara Schwartz, Mauston, WI; nephews, Tom Schwartz, Mauston, WI (Dawn and children Mallory, Tyler and Mariah); Jason McGill, Oregon, WI (Amy and children Annika and Evan) and Tim Schwartz, Plymouth, WI (Dawn and children Klarice, Allison and Austin); and niece, Stacy McGill, Missoula, MT (Brian Korinewski).
Bill was a devoted family man and so proud of his family. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
A friend called the Nelson's who had heard of Bill's health condition. When she was told his illness was heart related her reply was, "He's got too big of a heart". What a beautiful tribute to a special husband, father, grandfather and friend.
A special Thank You to family and friends who have helped when needed during this difficult time and a huge Thank You to the Doctors, nurses, and Hospice Care of Aspirus Health Care Facilities.
In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established for the Bill Nelson Memorial Fund.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held at the Shuda Funeral Chapel in Stevens Point at 11:00 AM on July 1, 2013. Pastor Brian Berg will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 PM Sunday evening and from 10:00 AM to the time of services Monday both at the funeral chapel.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ginger and family - a lot of years ago, I had the privilege of coaching my sons Jeff and Rick with Bill. A most enjoyable experience with a great guy. Deepest sympathy.
Jim Van Domelen
July 2, 2013
Ginger & family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Earl & Jan Higgins
July 2, 2013
LOVE & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, LINCOLN CLASS OF 1959. I ENJOYED HIS COMPANY IN SEVERAL CLASSES. RUTH {MANCOSKE}OLSON
RUTH OLSON
July 1, 2013
Bill and I were childhood friends on 7th st. He went to Madison, I went to McKinley. His athletic skills were apparent early in basketball,baseball and golf. He was a great competitor in each. He was always fun to be with and always a loyal friend. Our deepest sympathy to Ginger and his family.
Jim & Pat Danielson
Baileys Harbor, Wis.
July 1, 2013
Ginger, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Larry and Sue Lindwall
larry lindwall
June 30, 2013
Ginger, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Larry and Sue Lindwall
June 30, 2013
Fox was the best. God bless BIll and his family
Duane Gunderson Hopkins Minnesota
June 30, 2013
Ginger, my sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Judy Peterson Budnik
June 30, 2013
Dear Ginger and family,
We are saddened to learn of Bill's passing. I will always remember him as a gentleman on the court, a fierce competitor and a friend. our condolences .Ernie and Susan Virgili
Kenosha
Ernie Virgili
June 30, 2013
Billy, I believe the Bill Sr. Is up in heaven. Playing round ball against Jesus and Angels!! Wow! He just made another half courts shot!!! God bless you, your mom, bobby, and Brian!!!
John Pelowski
June 30, 2013
Ginger and Family - What sad, sad news! I have fond memories of Bill at the Port YMCA and babysitting for Billy and Bobbie "way back when." I will always remember Bill telling me his initials spelled "WIN" and he was a "winner" in the truest sense. Ginger, you were there for me when my son was in trouble and that meant so much to me! May you all find comfort and peace at this most difficult time.
Mary Gilson Krambs
June 29, 2013
I was privleged to meet Bill thru work. He was one of the nicest people I would ever meet. I looked forward to seeing him on the day he delivered supplies to West Grand IGA. He will be missed alot My deepest sympathy to Ginger ,Bill Jr. and the whole Nelson family.
Mary Weber
June 29, 2013
Bill was my date for Homecoming one year at Lincoln. It was the best date ever - he was so sweet and kind.
I hope you find peace and comfort as happy memories of Bill fill the sadness now in your hearts. You know that he is flying with the angels.
Lincoln - Class of 1958
Judi Cooper Nickels
June 28, 2013
So sorry to hear of you loss, Ginger and family. You were the best neighbors on Forest Circle S. Our boys sure enjoyed base ball with Bill and your boys. Melaine & Rich Bemowski
June 28, 2013
Hi Ginger, Bill, Bob, and Brian, The Kuhl family have such great memories of Fox (and you Ginger) we always laughed hard and played hard.....you are "part of us"....love to you Fox, rest till we get there. I am sure you are starting a basketball team already! Kosh
Kathy Rash (Kuhl)
June 28, 2013
Wonderful memories of Bill from the YMCA. He was a very positive influence for many of us as young children. He will be missed. My condolences to the family - he was a wonderful man!
Deby Daly
June 28, 2013
My sympathy to the family.
Kay Cavanaugh class of 1958
June 27, 2013
Bill was such an asset to the community, particularly in SPASH athletics. We will always remember his friendly smile and warm personality. He will be missed by many. God bless.
Shirley and Jim Lind
June 27, 2013
Ginger, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Cathy & Dave Schmidt
June 27, 2013
Ginger and boys, So very sorry to hear about Bill. Many great memories. Jo and Don Amiot
June 27, 2013
Ginger and family, I am so terribly sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a wonderful guy. I can't say I know how you feel, but Paul's death less than three weeks ago, is a pain I would never know existed. I wish you strength and peace.
Sharon Meany
June 27, 2013
Ginger and Family, Very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great guy.
Sue Doxrude
June 27, 2013
Nellie was always a great guy and I remember his handball prowess as well as his basketball skills. More importantly, he was a wonderful human being and would always be a sounding board, if needed. GREAT GUY.
John Gilson
June 27, 2013
My condolences to the Nelson family! I remember Bill well from the mid to late 60's when I took swimming lessons at the "Y"!! I remember him as a helpful man! :)
Todd Sowatzke
June 27, 2013
I will always remember Nellie as one of the "good guys".
bruce woboril
June 27, 2013
What a guy! We had so much fun with your family and all the other families in '94 and the years leading up to it. Bill was at the center of it all - planning, organizing, cheering ... the list goes on. The kind of guy who always does everything with passion - we need more Bill Nelsons, not fewer!
Fritz & Carol Menzel
June 27, 2013
God Bless Bill & His Family. He was my Friend & a Great Man.
Tom Meyer
June 27, 2013
Very very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We were opponents in baseball for many years (southside vs. northside in Little League and then me
for The Lions and he for the Optimist Mohawks in The Stars of Tomorrow) but we finally became teammates at Lincoln and that was special. The hilite of course was our junior season when our baseball Ships went undefeated. Great memories and disappointed we won't be able to reminisce at our 55th this summer. Dennis Bonk '58
June 27, 2013
Bill was a Hoot to hang out with and had the privledge of waiting on him at Food Stop for 20 years... Will miss you Bill.
Cassy Krutza
June 27, 2013
I have many childhood memories of Bill at the Port Edwards YMCA. His legacy will live in all the youth he inspired through his work at the YMCA!
Kathy
June 27, 2013
So sorry for your loss.....bill was a great man...
Jerry and ginger Fitzgerald
June 27, 2013
Ginger and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Barb (White) Iris
June 27, 2013
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