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Terry Nelson Obituary

Nelson, Terry Lee Of East Troy, was born into Eternal Life on March 21, 2013, at the age of 65. Terry was born in Clintonville, WI, son of Kathryn and the late Marvin "Mike" Nelson. He graduated from Clintonville High School in 1966, graduated from Whitewater State University in 1970 with a B.S. Education, and earned a Master of Education degree in 1973 from UW-Whitewater. Terry is survived by his loving wife Darilyn Nelson (nee Fonstad), whom he married on August 15, 1970 in Milwaukee. He is the loving father of Sarah (Dr. Michael) Hotchkiss of Janesville, WI, and Inger (Christopher) LeClair of Luck, WI. Proud grandpa of Sydney and Owen Hotchkiss, and Dane LeClair. He is further survived by his mother, Kathryn Nelson of Clintonville, WI, in-laws Daryl (Orian) Fonstad of Wauwatosa, WI, other relatives and many friends. Terry was preceded in death by his father Mike Nelson, brothers Randall and Michael Nelson, stepfather Arlie Graper and stepsister Rhonda Wissmann. Terry was a 5th grade teacher for Mukwonago Area Schools for 33 years, a member of Norway Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wind Lake, and an avid sports fan. The last 7 years he devoted his life to refining the art of being a Grandpa. Terry will be remembered for his sense of humor, practical jokes and doing things a little "different". Terry was often seen in his woods with a chainsaw, favorite beverage and duct taped moccasins. His favorite getaway for over 4 decades was the family cottage in Waupaca where he held annual Frisbee events, jarts competitions and grilled his signature beer can chicken. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 25, 2013, at Norway Ev. Lutheran Church (6321 Heg Park Rd., Wind Lake, WI), at 6:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Norway Ev. Lutheran Church, Walworth County Special Olympics Agency 7-08, or the Mukwonago Catastrophic Medical Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Mar. 24, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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Mary Klug

April 9, 2013

So saddened to hear of "Mr. Nelson's" passing. He was our grandchildren's 5th grade teacher at Section School. They absolutely loved him! Their favorite day of the week was Friday when Mr. Nelson held "Camp Friday". Thank you for making many fond and happy memories for so many 5th grade children and their grandparents too!
Sincere sympathy to you in your loss of someone so very dear.

Mary and Dick Klug (Allison and Joey Goebel's Grandma and Papa)

Pamela Alioto

March 29, 2013

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Terry. Such a kind and gracious man. It was a pleasure getting to know him in high school and we will all miss him at our class reunions. Many blessings to the family.

Paul Glass

March 28, 2013

Terry gave all his family and friends such special memories. I had such great memories of our summers on the Clintonville "Sewer Crew". I will miss Terry very much at the reunions too. I pray for the family and friends in this difficult time.

Sue Rohrer

March 28, 2013

My hearfelt sympathy to Terry's entire family. I was a good friend of his brother, Randy, and growing up Terry was always a kind and loving big brother to him. After Randy's passing, Terry continued to be a rock for his mother. I know she depended on him and loved him so much. Through the years of my friendship with Randy and Kitty, Terry was always very gracious and kind when I saw him. The thing I will remember the most is his infectious and friendly smile!! My thoughts are with the family, and my prayers are that your memories bring a smile to your faces, just as Terry's brought to me!!

Penny Clayton

March 28, 2013

Darilyn,I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Terry.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With sympathy,

Bob Roach

March 27, 2013

Hi I did not get a chance to meet Terry but heard great things about him from Sarah his daughter.Our prayers go out to the entire family! Friends with Sarah from Janesville Athletic Club.Bob,Alexis,Aaron,and Paige!

Jim Boehlke

March 26, 2013

I am sorry to hear the news of Terry's death. I also grew up in Clintonville. Terry was my basketball coach in 5th or 6th grade. I remember how patient and positive he was with each of us on his team. I also went into the education field and will be completing my 35th year.

Nancy Boppre

March 25, 2013

A life taken way too soon. I will miss you, Terry and your wonderful sense of humor. Rest in peace dear friend.

Michelle Lammers

March 25, 2013

Terry was my fifth grade teacher at Washington Avenue School. He made learning enjoyable. Many years later, I became a teacher as well and we were colleagues at Section Elementary School. We came full-circle. I'll always remember our CAMP FRIDAYS. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to the family, friends and many students and their families that Terry impacted.

Craig and Judy Henry

March 25, 2013

Terry was a wonderful teacher to our two girls, Heather and Sarah. They had one of their best school years with him. He pulled a joke on Heather and we have told that story over and over. We are so sorry for your loss and send our thoughts and prayers to all of his family.

Heather Henry

March 25, 2013

Mr. Nelson will always be my favorite teacher. He was a beautiful person.

Cari Armstrong (Clemence)

March 25, 2013

Mr. Nelson was my 5th grade teacher at Washington School in Mukwonago. ( I am 41 now so if my math is right it was 1982) It was the last year the school was going to be open we were the last 5th grade class to attend. He was an awesome teacher and I will never forget him. I remember going home in tears on the last day of school because I was going to miss him dearly. I have many wonderful memories of Mr. Nelson. He made my 5th grade year the best school year I ever had. He was truly hilarious and he made learning fun. I remember him taking the class on a field trip to his vacant land and we had a cook out. We had "desk inspections" and had to act like we were in the military and he would go around and inspect everyone'e desk. I also remember having an "egg drop" contest from the top of the fire escape. I was in the final championship round of the "tape football" contest. It was the two of us at the very end and I lost. Mr. Nelson was the big winner. I have so many wonderful memories and he was such a wonderful and inspiring teacher to have. He was a mentor to me and I will never forget my 5th grade year and I will never forgot him. He was always making the class laugh while teaching us. I remember him always talking about his wife and and his daughters. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope some of my wonderful memories will bring you comfort and a smile as it did to me when I lost my dad 4 years ago. Take care and God Bless the Nelson family and let all the happy memories of him find you comfort.

Kay Rohrer Seel

March 25, 2013

It is always a shock and sad when a long time friend passes away. I have many happy memories of Terry. His mom and mine were best of friends. I think Terry was the first boy I kissed, but I do remembering helping him to hide in the lockers of Dellwood Elementary School so other girls would not kiss him. I also remember helping him catch his dog, Buttons many times when the dog would follow him to school, and then we would walk the dog back to his house. He was so up-beat. I am sorry to hear of his passing, but I know that you, his family will have many happy memories of him too. God's peace to you all at this time of loss.

Jim & Patty Holloway

March 25, 2013

We are so sorry, Darilyn.

Carrie Beuning

March 25, 2013

My deepest sympathies on your loss. I will always remember Mr. Nelson as being one of my favorite teachers for me and my siblings.

Scott Stromberg

March 24, 2013

Please accept my sympathies on the death of Terry. He was such a good friend to me when we were growing up.

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