De Nelson
May 26, 1948 - March 17, 2026
Obituary
MADISON - Dolores “De” Nelson passed away on March 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and care team, after her multi-year journey with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. She was born on May 26, 1948, in Madison, Wis. to Carl and Mildred Schultz.
De dedicated 47 years of service to Alliant Energy, where her strong work ethic and warm personality left a lasting impact on colleagues and friends alike. She believed in showing up, working hard, and supporting those around her - values she carried into every part of her life.
On May 17, 1969, De married the love of her life, Bill Nelson. Together they built a beautiful life centered on family, faith and friendship. De was a proud and loving mother to Leah Wood and Donovan Nelson. Her greatest joy was being a grandma. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
De was a unique force in the lives of many. She was a devoted partner, mother, sister and friend. Her compassion, joyful spirit, steadfast faith, and youthful enthusiasm were ever-present.
Family meant everything to De. She loved music and could often be found dancing with her signature spunky flair. She was fun-loving, quick to smile, and lived life to the fullest. She lived her faith daily through kindness and service to others. A natural giver, De never hesitated to lend a hand, offer a listening ear, or step in wherever help was needed.
De’s legacy is one of generosity, laughter, faith and unwavering love. She leaves behind a family who will carry her spirit forward and countless memories that will continue to bring comfort and smiles.
De is survived by her husband, Bill Nelson; daughter, Leah (Kevin) Wood; son, Donovan Nelson (Amy Treon); grandchildren, Anna Elsen, Lauren Elsen, Maya Vossen-Nelson and Tait Vossen-Nelson; brother, Don (Barb) Schultz; sister, Marion Smithback; sister-in-law, Judy Puttkammer; brother-in-law, Tom (Diane) Nelson; best friend, Vickie Richard; and many other beloved family members and friends.
De will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Drumlin Reserve Memory Care staff in Cottage Grove and Agrace HospiceCare for the compassionate care for De in her last months of life. You all made a lasting impact during life’s most tender moments.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with the Rev. Staci Marrese-Wheeler presiding. A celebration of life gathering will be held at the funeral home from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Please join us after the funeral home gathering for a continued celebration of life for De to share memories, laughter, and light appetizers at BUCK & HONEY’S, 800 W. Broadway, Monona, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in De Nelson’s name to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711 (www.agrace.org/donate) or Common Grace Faith Community, P. O. Box 8361, Madison, WI 53708-8361.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420