L. Duane Nelson

MADISON - L. Duane Nelson left us on Saturday, December 27, 2025, to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Duane was born on September 1, 1936, to Ludolph and Thelma (Johnson) Nelson on a small family farm in Lodi, Wis. He was reborn to spiritual life through Holy Baptism on September 20, 1936, and was confirmed on November 26,1950.

After graduating from Lodi High School in 1954, he enrolled at UW-La Crosse for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Army for two years, stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas with the 523rd Field Artillery Missile Battalion. Duane was extremely proud of his military service and after his Honorable Discharge in 1957, he enrolled at UW-Madison and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree on June 6, 1960.

Upon graduation, he began working as an auditor for Kimberly Clark, first in Neenah, Wis., followed by three years in Fullerton, Calif., before moving back to Wisconsin in 1966. It was here that he met Lois Zinke. They were united in marriage on July 11, 1970, in Brownsville, Wis., and enjoyed 55 years together. He began a 40-year career in Madison in 1966, starting with Gaarder & Miller, a medical consulting firm. His career continued with Suby Von Haden & Associates after the firms merged in 1990 until his retirement in 2006. After retirement, Duane enjoyed frequent trips to the family cabin on North Twin Lake near Minong and spending time with the blessing of his six grandchildren. Duane was a man of strong faith and was a 55-year member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Madison.

Duane is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Steve Nelson, Sarah (Jeff) Lucas, Rachel (Nate) Marzen and Dave Nelson; grandchildren, Hannah Lucas, Claire Lucas, Landon Pope, Leah Lucas, Lauren Nelson and Braden Pope; and sisters-in-law, Jane Nelson and Sharon Zinke. Duane was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Alfred and Ella Zinke; brother and sister-in-law, Darrell and Darlene Nelson; brother, Wally Nelson; brother-in- law, Richard Zinke; and niece, Gerene Jacobson.

To those who knew him well, Duane was appreciated for his personability. He loved to visit with family and friends over food and share laughter and stories about people and experiences that connected them. Duane was proud of his farming origins, those that shaped his diligence and resourcefulness in confronting life's varied challenges over time. Duane deeply loved his family, friends and the Lord. He demonstrated these priorities through the time and care that he invested in these relationships. We grieve the loss of the gift of Duane's life. It was full and rich, and on so many, he made his mark.

A funeral service will be held at OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1701 McKenna Blvd., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with Pastor Philip Moldenhauer and Pastor Caleb Bassett presiding. A luncheon will follow the service. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens, 7302 Mineral Point Road, Madison, following the luncheon.

Memorials may be made in Duane’s name to a charity of your choice or to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1701 McKenna Blvd., Madison, WI 53711. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761