Eric Otto Rodger Nelson

Eric Otto Rodger Nelson obituary, Oconomowoc, WI

Eric Otto Rodger Nelson

Upcoming Events

Oct

17

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

2228 Silver Maple Ln, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Send Flowers

Oct

17

Funeral service

5:00 p.m.

2228 Silver Maple Ln, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Send Flowers

Services provided by

Pagenkopf Funeral Home

Only 5 days left for delivery to next service.

Eric Nelson Obituary

Visit the Pagenkopf Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

Eric Otto Rodger Nelson, 48, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, passed away on October 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Eric was born on October 24, 1976, in Oconomowoc, where he spent most of his life. He worked as a welder and took pride in his craft and the hard work it required.

He was known for his quick wit, big heart, and determined nature that made him truly one of a kind. Eric loved going up north, fishing, and ATVing with friends and family. He was a tinkerer and handyman who always had a project in the works, whether it was fixing something up or building something new. He brought laughter and loyalty to everyone who knew him.

Eric was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Oconomowoc and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his mother Mary Nelson, father Rodger Nelson, children Kayla Nelson (fiancé Jonathan Hanlon) and Ayden Schmitt, siblings Christa (Tim) Gavin and Tina (Tim) Hackbarth, niece Emma Hackbarth, nephews Seth Hackbarth, Caleb Gavin, and Jacob Gavin, and dear friend Lori Capelle. He was preceded in death by his nephew Brady Hackbarth.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc, with a service to follow at 5:00pm. Burial will take place on Saturday, October 18, at St. Luke’s Cemetery in Ixonia, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family are appreciated.

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

Pagenkopf Funeral Home

2228 Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

How to support Eric's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Eric Nelson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Oct

17

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

2228 Silver Maple Ln, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Send Flowers

Oct

17

Funeral service

5:00 p.m.

2228 Silver Maple Ln, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Send Flowers

Services provided by

Pagenkopf Funeral Home

Only 5 days left for delivery to next service.