Oris "Orie" Nelson

1935 - 2017

Oris "Orie" Nelson 1935—2017
Oris Nelson was born on June 1, 1935, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. For the first 39 years of his life; he lived and worked across Wisconsin, married his high school sweetheart, Janet Heath, served in the Air Force and deployed to Europe for "Operation Stairstep" in 1961, during the increased tensions when the Berlin Wall was being built, owned a resort, and began a family. In 1974, Orie, Jan and their two children moved to Rockford. There, Orie was the Office Services Manager for Sundstrand and brought significant innovation and modernization to the company. It was in Rockford that Orie picked up on his lifelong passion of restoring military vehicles. Starting in his two car garage with his son, Rocky, he later expanded his shop to a size more fitting of his burgeoning hobby. Over the next 40 plus years, Orie restored many vehicles and became a recognized expert in military Jeep® restoration. He was a long-time member and office holder in a number of military vehicle clubs with which he attended many vehicle conventions and gatherings and made a great number of friends the world over. After retiring from Sundstrand, Orie and Jan moved to the Kansas prairie but retirement was not a time for slowing down. Orie and his bride kept busy with visiting friends, car club and vehicle rallies, traveling to see their children and grandchildren, and attending high school reunions in LaCrosse; all the while Orie continued his restoration passion and expansion of his network of friends. He and Jan relished the visits of their grandkids any time, but especially when they stayed with them during a number of summers. Orie also passed his love of vehicles to a number of his grandchildren by teaching them vehicle maintenance and restoration. The "Nelson Ranch" became a destination for many friends, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to visit and enjoy Orie and Jan's company. Orie and Jan celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last September at the ranch, with many guests in attendance. Following the party Orie and Jan, accompanied by their daughter, Cam and her fiancé, Dan, visited LaCrosse and Rockford, where they had a wonderful time with many friends and relatives. Sadly, these events were the last time Orie would see many folks as his health began to decline and following a valiant fight, he passed away on the morning of March 28, 2017. Orie is survived by his loving wife, Janet; his aunt, Millie Nelson; his brothers, Jim Nelson, Dick Nelson (Rita), and Leon Nelson; his son, Rocky Nelson (Jacqui); his daughter, Camille Nelson (fiancé, Dan Block); five grandchildren, Cody Sumerix, Jennifer Sumerix, Tim Nelson, Jeff Nelson, and Matt Nelson; and one great-grandchild, Genevieve Nelson.
Services are currently pending and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite Veteran's Service Organization in memory of Orie.