Carleen "Tina" Nelson

MIDDLETON - Carleen “Tina” Nelson, age 96, passed away at her home surrounded by family on Dec. 24, 2020, after suffering a debilitating stroke. She was born at home in Ophiem Township, Ill., on July 7, 1924, to Carl and Rubie (Nelson) Sundeen. Her family moved to Moline, Ill., and she attended Moline schools. Her first job was as a secretary at The Foundry. Three years later after being widowed with two young daughters, Diane and Susan, she returned to work at the Foundry. Cupid’s arrow struck when Tina reconnected with Ken Nelson, who she had dated in high school. They married and after a few years they had a daughter, Merry, and Ken adopted Diane and Susan. In 1954, Tina attended a Tupperware Party and was enthusiastic about the fun opportunity of selling. Success was almost a given as result of her sparkling personality, and soon her record caught the eye of Tupperware Home Parties. She was interviewed about a Tupperware Distributorship and was given a choice of three areas, Evansville, Ind., Aurora, Ill., or Madison, Wis. In 1956 they drove to Madison with three kids and thought the city looked beautiful, with lakes, colleges, and lots of recreation. Ken then quit his job as a supervisor at manufacturing plant, Eagle Signal, and Madison Sales Corporation was formed. As the business grew with the help of many Wisconsin women doing Tupperware Parties, the Nelsons became one of the top distributors reaching many goals and winning awards, the most cherished of which was being presented the Ad Astra (To The Stars) Tupperware’s highest honor. Tina was a natural at sales and marketing. She trained many shy women into powerful confident representatives. They retired in 1987 after 33 years in Tupperware. In 1978, Tina and Ken bought a rundown farm in Deerfield, Wis., and with the help of son-in-law, Dennis, tore it all down and had a new home built. They groomed multiple acres into their own private park, used for several family weddings and parties. Family was the highest priority for Tina. Ken and Tina joined St. Paul Lutheran Church, where Tina was on the Church Council. In 1996, they moved to Middleton to be closer to their children. Tina is survived by her husband, Kenneth C. Nelson; her daughters, Diane (William J. III) Merrick, Susan (Dennis L.) Nelson and Merry (Kurt Grittner) Nelson; grandchildren, Johanna (Dan) Kuehn, Veronica Sue Nelson, and Matt Rowe; great-grandchildren, Raechel (Troy Foster) VandeHey, Jake (Chelsey) VandeHey and Elizabeth (Forrest Grauvogel) VandeHey; great-great-grandchildren, Noah, Lily and Zoey (Jake’s family) and Kellen (Raechel’s family). She was preceded in death by her parents; and all of her siblings, Sally Mueller, Norma Conley and Penrod Sundeen. Private family services will be held. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761