Jerry Nelson, 62

Jerry Chester Nelson, age 62, of Spring Valley, Wis., died on Sunday, June 26, 2011, after a 16-month battle with colon cancer.

He was born Nov. 21, 1948, in Madison, Wis., and baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Baldwin, Wis. He married Mary Louise Wenum on April 19, 1997, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley.

Jerry graduated from Baldwin-Woodville H.S. in 1967 and enlisted in the USAF. He served as C-130 crew chief from 1967-1971 at Norton AFB. When in California Jerry also served the San Bernadino Police Reserves.

Upon return to Wisconsin he earned an associate degree in police science at the CVTC and went on to work for the Stanley Police Department. Jerry owned a bait and tackle shop in Chippewa Falls, Wis., and had many various jobs throughout his lifetime. He worked for the Chippewa Shopper, Cray Research, and various security positions in the Chippewa/Eau Claire area until 1997. He moved Spring Valley and worked for Treasure Island Casino and Target Corporation from 1998-2000, and at Kwik Trip, Inc.-Wilson store from 2000 until May of 2011 when he retired for health reasons.

Jerry's vast interests included: a love for woodworking, hunting, fishing, ham radio, and volunteering for the EC-CAP Air Force Auxiliary, serving as commander on two occasions. He also served as commander of the SV American Legion Richard-Danielson Post 227 until March of 2010. In the past he was a boating safety instructor, first responder, and weather observer. He was a loyal NASCAR and Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed popping kettle corn.

Jerry proudly walked as a survivor in the Relay for Life in River Falls on March 25, 2011.

Survivors include his wife Mary Louise (Wenum) Nelson; mother, Angeline Sylvia DeSmith Nelson; siblings, Karen Padilla (Paddy), Nancy Harjo, John Borchardt (Sharon), James Borchardt (Nancy), Claire Rundhaug (Gail), Patsy Bambrough, Judy Parker, Dennis Fiscus, and Debra Fiscus; children, Wendy Nelson Weaver, Amanda Ahneman; grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Leo Nelson.

Pallbearers: Brothers-in-law, Theodore G. Wenum, Paul B. Wenum, John V. Wenum, James D. Wenum, Gordon L. Wenum, and CBS Padilla (Paddy). Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday June 29, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley with Pastor Erin Nelson officiating. Organist: Linda Anderson. Readers: John Anderson and Bob Richardson. Visitation 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, at St. John's, and 1 hour prior to the funeral service.

Arrangements by Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley.

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