Livingston, WI-Russel M. Nelson, age 79 died on Tuesday evening Dec. 13, 2016 at the Fennimore Good Samaritan Society in Fennimore. Russel was born on Nov. 25, 1937 in Homer Township Grant Co., WI the son of Lawrence and Leona (Stimpson) Nelson.
Russel graduated from Cobb High School and then attended the U.W. Platteville. He was united in marriage to Sheila Kramer on Sept. 19, 1959 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Cobb. They moved to Madison where Russel joined the Fire Dept. for eight years. He then worked odd jobs until getting very involved in construction. He and his brother Leonard started Nelson Construction, which they operated for numerous years until forming Russ Nelson and Assoc. and also founded Iowa Grant Trucking. Russel was never afraid of a challenge and loved a good business adventure along with his passion for cooking; he also owned and operated the Boulder Lounge in Arthur, the Dodgeville Truck Stop, which was built from the ground up, Cardinal Inn in Highland while operating a farm. He was also a highly respected public works contractor. Russel had a great vision for success and showed great courage and passed this quality to his family. He loved working with his son for 30 years and showed the way on how to be successful to many. Russel was also a very dedicated family man and adored his family and grandchildren. He loved spending time at the river fishing, riding jet skies, and water skiing. He will be remembered for a hard days work while living life large and not afraid to make life happen.
Russel is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Sheila of Livingston, three children; Tori (Jon) Erickson of Guttenberg, IA, Jeff (Donna) Nelson of Ridgeway, Tami (Waylan) Owens of Comfort, TX, four grandchildren; Taylor Nelson, Austin, Emme, and Ella-Grace Owens, sister Evangeline-Sue (Al) Schafer of Elkhart Lake, sister-in-laws; Elaine Nelson of Madison and Shirlee Nelson of Coraopolis, PA along with several nieces and nephews.
Russel was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law Wilson and Viginia Kramer, three brothers; Edwin, John and Leonard Nelson, and a nephew Brad Nelson.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. on Monday Dec. 19, 2016 at the Castle Rock Lutheran Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8:00 P.M. on Sunday Dec. 18, 2016 at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort and from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the church on Monday morning. In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial fund is being established on loving memory of Russel M. Nelson.