William G. Nelson

William (Bill) George Nelson 83 passed away peacefully surrounded by his family December 26, 2025, after a sudden cardiac event. He was a long-time resident of Lafayette. He worked as a grocery manager for Jewel Foods for 25 years. He then owned and maintained rental properties for a couple years. He was then recruited by St. Lawrence Parish to maintain their school and church properties for 20 years before

officially retiring in 2010.

He is now at peace with his daughter Angie, sisters Rose and Ann Marie, parents Alfred and Mary.

He leaves his wife Mary Jo of 62 years, 3 children Michelle (Mike), Brian (Linda), Mike (Carrie). He also has 14 grandchildren Jason, Zach, Jessica (Patrick), Emily, Sydney (Jake), Bailey (Clay), Eric, Katie (Trent), Alex, Laney, Travis (Emily), Elyse, Jacob, Mackenzie. His 6 great grandchildren including Holly, Charlie, Lucy, Josie, Cole, and Wesley. His siblings include a sister Mary Francis, and brothers Fr. Joe,

Richard (Carla), and Charlie (Cheryl).

He was a devoted family man. He loved music and sang in the church choir. Played many hands of cards adopting the "Willie shuffle" method

when it was his turn to deal.

He often thought of ways to help others and kept God's creatures well fed outside his window. He went on many family car trips and later couple trips to Alaska and Hawaii. He looked forward to sunshine where he could find it in the winter first in Arizona and then in Florida where he could fly his kite on the beach.

He was a virtuous man and will be greatly missed. Rest assured he will still be praying for all of us as he often did early every morning waiting for the sun to rise and shine through the window.

Visitation will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, fr0m 1:00 pm until the time of mass at 2:00 pm. A graveside service will be held at St. Boniface Cemetery after mass at 3:30 pm.