William O. Nelson, 78, of South Range, died Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at Essentia Health- St. Mary's Medical Center.

He was born in Chippewa Falls, WI, on May 2, 1941, the son of Gustave and Ruth Nelson.

Bill began working as a logger with his father and brothers. He then worked at Duplex Manufacturing in Superior and retired after 22 years with the Town of Oakland as an equipment operator. He was also a Fire Warden for the Douglas County Forestry Department for 15 years.

He enjoyed music and was an avid Green Bay Packers Fan. His hobbies included 4-wheeling, fishing, camping, or simply being outdoors. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarence Nelson and Carl Nelson; and his mother and father-in-law, Jens and Hilma Gregerson.

Bill is survived by his wife of 56 ½ years, Carol; children, Tammy (Bill) Krejci of Maple and Shelby (Dale) Barnard of South Range; grandchildren, Chris (Linsey) Nelson of South Range, Nikki Windsor of South Range, Duke (Anita) Windsor of Superior, and Kimberly Gonsowski of Cameron, WI; great-grandchildren, Avery and Lily Nelson, Olivia Wilson, Kaylynn and William Windsor, and Zach Gonsowski; brothers, Dan (Deb) Nelson and Loren (Bev) Nelson; sisters, Delores Dawes, Martha (Ralph) Stromquist, Esther (Terry) Seeland, Mary (Emery) Lane, Verna (Richard) Vendela, and Linda (Bob) Denny; very special friend, Ron Leef; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lois (Warren) Dolsen and Jens Gregerson, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17, at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N 19 ^th Street. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Rev. Mark Holmes of Darrow Road Wesleyan Church will officiate.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jens Gregerson III, Larry Gregerson, Ray Dolsen, Greg Dolsen, Dennis Dolsen, and Ron Leef.