Willis C. Nelson

Willis C. Nelson, 99, Wausau, died July 9, 2003 at Cedar Creek Manor, Kronenwetter, under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Bill was born July 1, 1904 son of the late Olaf and Effie (Kjer) Nelson. On October 13, 1934 he married Helen Regenfuss. She preceded him to death on January 14, 1994 as did their son, John Andrew, in 1998. Bill started his career in the lumber business at Roddis Lumber Company in Marshfield in 1924. Moving to Wausau in 1943, Bill became sales manager for Underwood Veneer, later Connor Lumber and Land. Always active in the community, Bill's 75 year membership in the Elks made him the oldest living Elk in Wisconsin at the time of his death. A skilled woodworker and gardener, his legacy has been passed down to his children, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Survivors include two daughters, Judy (James) Beier, Kronenwetter, Jane (John) Holmes, Kalamazoo, Mich, three grandchildren and one great granddaughter, James (Heather and 2 month old Eva Rose)Beier, Milwaukee, Sara Beier, Madison, Peter Beier, Kronenwetter, two sisters, Winifred (Norv) Plier, Park Falls and Dorothy (George) Minsloff, Marinette. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2003 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street. Rev. Stephen Russell will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the Sixth Street funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Newman Scholarship Fund.