William C. "Bill" Nelson

William C. "Bill" Nelson obituary, Superior, WI

William C. "Bill" Nelson

William Nelson Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Downs Funeral Home - Superior on Jan. 26, 2026.
William C. "Bill" Nelson, 73, of Superior, passed away with his family by his side due to complications of a stroke on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Essentia St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth.

Bill was born in Mannheim, Germany to Elfriede (Berlejung) and William B. Nelson on September 20, 1952.

He attended Superior Senior High School and married Polly Podgorak on June 30, 1973. Bill worked as a longshoreman over 50 years and also worked at Continental Grain Elevator and Great Northern Grain Elevator. He joined the Wisconsin Laborer's Union and worked a variety of different jobs over the years.

Bill loved the outdoors and spending time with his children and grandchildren hunting and fishing at the cabin on Red Lake in Wascott, WI. Bill liked driving around the waterfront to look at the ships in his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Polly; his sons, William T. (Tina Eliason) Nelson, and Brock J. Nelson; grandchildren, Camber (Rexi) Olson, Breonna Nelson, Clayton Nelson, and Samantha Nelson all of Superior; his great grandchildren, Ameila and Callum Olson; his brother, Steve (Diana) Nelson of Florida; his sisters, Judy (Richard) Larson and Dianne (Paul) Garrity all of Superior; his nieces, nephews, cousins and brother in-law and sisters' in-laws

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Downs Life Celebration Center. 1902 N 34th St. Superior, WI.

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

Sign William Nelson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Downs Funeral Home - Superior

1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, WI 54880

Make a Donation
in William Nelson's name

How to support William's loved ones
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
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
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
Ways to honor William 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

Sign William Nelson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?