Thomas H Nelson
June 05, 1943 - April 02, 2026
Obituary
Born Again February 22, 1981.
MADISON - Thomas Howard Nelson, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital.
He was born on June 5, 1943, in Madison, Wis., the son of Howard Nelson and Mildred (Jones) Nelson. He graduated from Madison East High School in 1961. Thomas was united in marriage to Diana Bakken on October 22, 1977, in Madison.
Tom started his own drywall business, Nelson Drywall, in 1977. It was a great success, he had as many as 22 employees, a great bunch of guys. Tom always treated them fairly. If one of them was going through a tough time, he would take them aside and see how he could help. Being the perfectionist that he was, he expected their best work and they respected that. He was a hardworking, honest man.
In 1992, Tom and Diana built their house and decided they liked it, so Diana devoted her time starting Nelson Homes Inc., while Tom kept the drywall business going. The two made a great team. Diana would start the house, the first half, and then Tom would finish the house, the drywall, etc. They had a really good system, they ended up building 54 homes.
Tom was an avid golfer. Every chance he got he would be out on the course with his “buddies”. Diana would like to thank them for all the help they gave him when it was hard for him to play, it meant a lot to him. Tom and Diana were both Brewers fans. Tom introduced Diana to baseball in 1974, following Robin Yount his whole career, Diana was hooked. Tom and Diana are also lovers of animals, they support DCHS.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Diana; and three children from a previous marriage, Debra (Marc) Chamberlin, Scott (Sherry) Nelson, and Laure (Brian) Mell; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mildred Nelson. Grandson, Max Chamberlin; sister-in-law, Dolores Nelson; and John W. Grant, who was his Pastor for over 40 years and was a close, personal friend.
Tom’s family would like to thank Dr. Sanyal, Oncology, and Dr. Steve Siewet, GP.
A memorial service for Tom will be held at CALVARY GOSPEL CHURCH, 5301 Commercial Ave., Madison, at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420