Charlene Barbara Nelson

Nelson, Charlene Barbara MADISON – Charlene Barbara Nelson, age 73, of Madison, passed away at Agrace HospiceCare, surrounded by her three sons, with amazing courage and dignity, on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015. She was born on March 31, 1941, in Superior, the daughter of Waldemar and Fern (Arneson) Abrahamson. Charlene graduated from Superior Central High in 1959 and from UW-Superior in 1963. She was united in marriage to Arthur C. Nelson on Aug. 24, 1963. Although trained as a teacher, she began her most important career of raising her three boys when she had Eric in 1967. Char was an incredibly devoted mother who gave her heart and soul to her children and grandchildren. She was also a piano teacher in Heritage Heights and organist at Arbor Covenant Church for many years. Char and Art built their beloved cabin in 1974 on the Upper Eau Claire Lake where many memories were made through the years. Char later became a kindergarten teacher at Midvale Elementary which she absolutely loved for 12 years. Upon retirement, she spent her time serving others as she had done her entire life. A volunteer at UW Hospital, Agrace HospiceCare, Midvale Elementary, and Bethel Lutheran Church, she touched many lives and met many wonderful friends. A survivor of esophageal cancer, Char faced many medical complications in the following years that eventually contributed to her passing. She lived her life with incredible character and humility and ended her earthly life content and fulfilled. Charlene is survived by her three sons, Eric (Cathy), Mark (Kimberly), and Matthew (Jessie); eleven grandchildren, Mark, Taylor, Luke, Lexus, Max, Caden, Lance, Peighton, Karsyn, Arthur John (AJ), and Bailey; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Arthur C. Nelson; her parents; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Arthur and Catherine Nelson. Funerals service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, with the Pastor Curt Everson presiding. Private burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charlene Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund through The Foundation for Madison's Public Schools, 101 Nob Hill Road, Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713. Our family would like to thank the many incredible doctors and nurses that have served her over the years. Very special thanks to her long time friends, John and Sandy Hefte, Ron and Ellen Wildman, and Judy Ward for their unconditional love and support. Charlene was incredibly loved and cherished by her family. May the peace of the Lord that passes all understanding be with her now and forever. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420