Rodney Harold Nelson

Rodney Harold Nelson age 89 of Wild Rose, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at his home. He was born in Racine on June 26, 1935 to Harold and Ruth (Petsch) Nelson. Rodney graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School and then joined the U.S. Army in November of 1957 and was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. On December 30, 1957 he married Judith Apps at St. James Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Rodney was honorably discharged on October 31, 1963 at the rank of Sergeant. He then went to work for Louis Allis / Magnatech as a draftsman and after some technical classes he worked his way up to the electrical engineering department, retired in 1994 and moved to Little Silver Lake in Wild Rose to enjoy his retirement which included fishing, playing sheepshead, cribbage, dominos and Sudoku every day. Rodney was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Wautoma. He also volunteered at the Historical House in Wild Rose, Berlin Hospital and the EAA Air Adventure Museum. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Rodney is survived by his loving wife: Judith Nelson; children: Katherine (Bill) Nauertz, Rodney J. Nelson, Heidi Nelson, Wendy (Dan) Koble, Judith Ann Nelson; grandchildren: Willie (Jackie), Danny, Melissa (Steve) Nauertz, Jon (Jordan), Noel (Ryan), Nina (Cory), Natalie (Lindsey) Nelson, Nathan (Sara), Amber (Andy) Goelz, Erin (Dan), Peter (Steph) Hannah (Nate), Emily, Rebecca (Alex) Koble, Abigail, Tahlia, Tyson Holappa; 19 great grandchildren; sister: Karon Mehrstedt; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Harold W. Nelson and sister-in-law: Lynn Malonee.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church, Wautoma with Military Honors and burial to follow at Wild Rose Union Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at church on Thursday from 10AM until the time of services at 11AM.