Regina Nelson

MONONA-Regina “Gena” Nelson, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. She was born on Feb. 2, 1922, in Gays Mills, the only child of Eldon “Frank” and Frances (Mook) Howe. Gena grew up in Gays Mills and attended secretarial school in LaCrosse. During World War II, she worked at Truax as an instrument mechanic. Gena then worked as a secretary for various Madison businesses. She married Tom Nelson on June 15, 1946, and stayed home to raise her family. During this time, Gena was a 4H Leader, she typed and edited theses for UW Students. She and Tom went on many trips with the Bethel Youth group and was a “Mom” to many kids throughout the years. Once their children were in school she worked as a secretary at Nichols School for 18 years and Winnequah School in the Monona School District for two years. After retirement, she and Tom travelled in their mini motor home, wintering in Texas and New Mexico for many years. They recently moved to Heritage Monona from their “starter” home of 63 years. Gena loved to collect cookbooks, garden, and spend time with her family. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Tom; children, Frances (Steve) Johnson, Barb Yahr, and Rex (Gail); three grandchildren, Carly (Adam) Yahr Davis, Colin (Jen) Yahr, and Andrew Nelson; and four great-grandchildren, Bailey, Emalynn, and Caylin Yahr, and Joseph Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, with the Rev. Terese Leonhard presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Memorials are suggested to Agrace HospiceCare or to Olbrich Botanical Gardens. A special thank you to all of her friends and to the caregivers at Heritage Monona. Memorials are suggested to Agrace HospiceCare or to Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, with the Rev. Terese Leonhard presiding.