Alvie Nelson
October 04, 1925 - August 12, 2019
Obituary
STOUGHTON-Alvie C. Nelson, age 93, passed away on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019. He was born on Oct. 4, 1925, the son of Alvie G. and Myrtle (Neath) Nelson. After graduation from Stoughton High School, Alvie enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. He married Doris Wondrash on March 25, 1977.
After his discharge from the Navy, Alvie attended Madison Business College and from 1948-1960, worked as an administrative assistant for the Veteran’s Administration in Madison. He went on to serve as the director of the Henry Vilas Zoo until his retirement in 1985. Through working for the zoo, Alvie traveled extensively visiting other countries, acquiring animals and sharing his knowledge with other zoo directors. He was also a longtime member of the Masons and Zor Shriners, where he was instrumental in the free camel rides.
Alvie is survived by his wife, Doris; two daughters, Donna (David Feuling) and Nancy (Peter) Knupfer; six grandchildren, Jason (Christine) Cartwright, Kelly (Greg) Dowdy, Rebecca, Sarah, Maria and Leta Knupfer; two great-grandchildren, Keira and Segan Cartwright; brother, Howard; sisters, Shirley (Dale) Hanson, Barbara (Donald) Larson and Norma (John) Devine; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Elsie Skoien Nelson; brothers, Ronald and Raymond; nephew, Mike Hanson; and sisters-in-law, Nancy Westby, Catherine Nelson and Evonne Nelson.
A memorial service was held.
The family wishes to thank Gene Bailey, John Walasek, Fritz Ragatz and Harry Harnek for their weekly visits, which made for some good laughs. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Hwy. 51 at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590
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Memories
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Janice Eith
Other •
What a wonderful man. My condolences to family
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Sally Carpenter
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Condolences from the Frank Carpenter family.
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Jim Neely
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Doris- So sorry to hear about Alvie. He was a fun person and you had some wonderful years with him. It all started with cleaning his teeth!! Mom and dad were so pleased when you two married. Jim Neely
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Kathleen Cole
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So sorry to hear about my cousin, Alvie. He and my Mom, Beverly were first cousins, and only 6 months apart in age. I went to visit him at the Skaalen Home in May when I was home for Syttende Mai. We had such a nice visit. He showed me the map his daughter had made with all the countries he had visited when he was the director of the zoo. He was so proud of that. Peace to his memory, Kathleen Cole
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Tammi Alexander, Badger Honor Flight
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The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Alvie Nelson. We are thankful for his military service and so very sorry we were unable to take him on the trip to Washington, D.C. Our sincerest condolences.
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Van & Marie Nelson
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Our deepest sympathies, Donna & David. Van & Marie Nelson