Redgy L. Nelson

CROSS PLAINS - Redgy Nelson, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on November 17, 2025. She was born on January 2, 1945, in Bedford, Ind., to Emery C. and Marjorie L. Turner (Dalton). Her father was serving in the South Pacific when she came into the world. It would not be until she was 3 years old that she was finally able to meet him.  During those years she and her mother were lovingly surrounded by grandparents and cousins in southern Indiana.

Redgy’s childhood was filled with family, adventure, and change. Her family moved when she was a sophomore in high school and spent nine months in California before settling in Greendale, Wis. She graduated from Greendale High School in 1963, after just one year there, an early sign of her determination and grace in the face of new beginnings.

While studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Redgy was paired with a biology lab partner who would become the love of her life. She and Robert Nelson married in Greendale in 1966 and spent 59 devoted years together. She earned her degree in elementary education and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1967. She began her teaching career at Shorewood Elementary in Madison, where she worked with children from all over the world.

After the birth of their first child, Redgy paused her teaching career to devote herself fully to her family. In 1978, she returned to education, joining St. Martin’s Preschool in Cross Plains. Her passion and talent soon led her to become the director of Middleton Preschool while she pursued a master’s degree in education from UW-Madison. After earning her degree, she taught kindergarten in Verona and later at Northside in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District.

For over 40 years, Redgy shaped young lives as an early childhood and kindergarten teacher. She made every child feel safe, loved, and seen. Her classrooms were filled with warmth, songs for every moment, and festive socks and jewelry for every holiday. To be her student was to be cherished. She had a great love for children.

Family was always the heart of Redgy’s world. She never missed a single event-concerts, games, ceremonies, or even the smallest milestones. If it mattered to her children or grandchildren, it mattered to her. She infused every holiday with magic, often crafting handmade gifts that carried her love in every detail. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy, and she supported every dream they dared to have.

Redgy also poured her heart into her home. She created spaces that were warm, beautiful, and welcoming, and she found deep joy in tending her gardens. Her time among the flowers was a reflection of who she was-a nurturer who brought beauty to everyone and everything she touched.

Faith was also a foundational part of Redgy’s life. She was a devoted member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and sang joyfully in the choir. Her voice, her kindness, and her unwavering commitment to her church community touched many.

Redgy was preceded in death by her parents, Emery C. and Marjorie L. Turner (Dalton); as well as her grandparents, aunts, and uncles. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Nelson; daughters, Melissa (Chris) Hanson and Kara (Todd) Nelson; her beloved grandchildren, Reid, Spencer, Emery, Sloane, and George; her brothers, Stephen (Jane) Turner and Michael (Michelle) Turner; nieces and nephews; and cousins.

Redgy’s legacy lives on in the family she adored, the countless students she guided, her church community, and the love she spread so generously. Those who were blessed to know her will carry her spirit and her smile in their hearts always.

A celebration of life will be held at ST. MARTIN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2427 Church St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. A graveside service and luncheon will follow. A visitation will be held at the church from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the St. Martin’s Legacy Endowment Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains

Funeral & Cremation Care

2421 Church St.

(608) 798-3141