PARDEEVILLE - James D. “Jim” Nelson, age 79, of Pardeeville, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo. He was born on May 26, 1943, in Burke, Wis., the son of Theodore and Evelyn (Olson) Nelson.

Jim graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1963. He married Sandra "Sandy" (Powell) on Nov. 19, 1966, at Messiah Lutheran Church. Jim was proud of his service to the country, serving in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. He was the owner/operator of Nelson's Industrial Park in DeForest, Wis., for many years.

Jim loved his family and grandkids very much-and took pleasure in teasing them a little. He loved going on drives with his wife, Sandy, as well as boat rides and fishing on Wisconsin lakes. Jim enjoyed woodworking and metal work, taking his collectable cars and trucks to car shows and parades, and most of all, he loved talking with family, friends, neighbors and new people. When you met Jim for the first time, whether in a store or on the street, before you parted, he would know what you did, where you were from and what your dad did. Jim was also a past member of the Zor Shriner Wranglers and Sun Prairie Masonic Lodge No. 143.

James is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Eric (Kristin Larson) Nelson; two grandchildren, Arthur Nelson and Ruth Nelson; two sisters, Joyce Lien and Jean Kreger; a sister-in-law, Carol Nelson; four brothers-in-law, Harold Powell, Richard Powell, Ronald Powell and Richard Seltzner; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Evelyn; brother, Jerome Nelson; and two sisters, Joanne Seltzner and Janice Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Memorials may be made to the Aspirus Divine Savior Dialysis Center in Portage. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

James Donald Nelson

May 26, 1943 - September 07, 2022

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