Eugene G. Nelson

MADISON- Eugene G. Nelson, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at his home. He was born on March 9, 1935, in Oshkosh, Wis., the son of Elvin and Alverda (Stellingwerf) Nelson. In 1949 he received a Madison Art Association scholarship to pursue his love of drawing and painting. Eugene graduated from Madison Central high School in 1953, where he played trombone in the marching and concert bands. Eugene graduated from UW-Madison in 1958, with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. On August 2, 1958, in Madison, Eugene was united in marriage with Virginia Newberry, his life-long friend and companion of 71 years. Eugene proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958, until 1960, and in the Reserves until 1970. Eugene was an employee for Oscar Mayer Inc. for 28 years, working as a Project Engineer at the Madison Plant and as Plant Engineer at the Perry, Iowa plant, before his retirement in 1992. He was a devout member of Bashford United Methodist Church, Madison Sons of Norway-Idun Lodge, NHOH Norwegian Lag and Oscar Mayer Retiree Volunteers. Eugene enjoyed building model WWII airplanes, gardening, golfing, camping, curling, traveling, music and concerts and cheering on the Badgers at Camp Randall. He also possessed an artistic eye and enjoyed exercising his photography and watercolor painting skills. Eugene's true passions, however were sipping coffee with his friends at the Mall, while solving the world's problems and, most cherished of all, moments spent with his grandchildren. In addition to his loving wife of 58 years, survivors include, two daughters, Lori (Kevin) Tebrinke; JoAnne (Terry) Lambert; son, William (Gale) Nelson; brother, Harvey (Phyllis) Nelson; step-sister, Janet (Robert) Ibinger; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Gerson) Caceres, Michael (Lindsey Teska) Tebrinke and Alex Lambert. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild, Cody Tebrinke. Funeral services will be held at BASHFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 329 North St., Madison, at 11a.m., on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, with the Rev. Amanda Stein presiding. Burial will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bashford United Methodist Church or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr., Madison 608-221-5420