William D. Nelson
February 14, 1948 - February 15, 2025
Obituary
MADISON- William “Bill” Nelson, age 77, passed away at Charter Senior Living of Madison, on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Bill was born on February 14, 1948, and adopted by Julian and Della (Warren) Nelson. Bill was raised on the east side of Madison and was a proud graduate of La Follette High School Class of 1966. He was an excellent athlete and had a trophy case full of bowling, softball, golf, and volleyball trophies. He was also known as Rookie and Mr. Softball from his WTSO and Farm Tavern ball team days. Bill played in countless leagues in the Madison area highlighting his athletic talents. Until the end, he could recall details of softball games, golf holes, and other memorable events of his career. Bill was a huge Dallas Cowboy, Boston Red Sox, and Wisconsin Badger fan, but an even bigger fan of his nieces and nephews and their sports and school activities. He was so proud of each of them.
Bill married Beverly Jean Arneson on October 8, 1977. Bill and Bev enjoyed gambling trips with family and friends and trips to Wendover, Las Vegas, and visiting casinos were highlights for them. They loved to be with friends, entertaining at home, or socializing at local establishments. Bill worked in bar management at Doug’s Inn and then spent 35 years in pest control management with Professional Pest Control of Madison. He enjoyed helping his clients and telling stories. Bill’s father was a veteran which led to a deep appreciation of his country, veterans, and all those who served.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Della; his wife, Beverly in 2018; and father-in-law Harold Arneson. He is survived by his mother-in-law, Margaret Arneson; in-laws, Sue and Marv Kontney, Mary and Bill Veith, Mark Arneson, and John and Darlene Arneson; nieces and nephews, Emily Veith (Matt Majeskie), Greg Veith, Joni (Troy) Magestro, Mara (Craig) Rodriguez, Lars (Alisha) Arneson, Jens (Sydney) Arneson and Sigrid Arneson (Tyler Blodgett); grandnephews, Tyler Magestro and Vaughn Rodriguez; and grandniece, Kylie Magestro.
A graveside service and committal will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025. A gathering with a short program will be held at VFW POST 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison, WI 53716, from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VFW Post 7591 or to a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank all who have supported and helped Bill including his neighbors, Terry and Becky, Lee and Sherry, and Judy; to the staff of Sun Prairie Senior Living, Charter Senior Living of Madison, and Moments Hospice for their care, and to friends and family who gave us support during Bill’s last few years.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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