Brian R. Nelson

Brian Ronald Nelson, 57, passed away on February 9, 2021 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital due to ongoing health issues related to Glioblastoma and Cloves Syndrome.

Born on May 29, 1963 in Madison, Wisconsin to Ronald Nelson and Judith (Heintz) Nelson, Brian grew up in the Wausau area with his sister and many friends.  He was known for his gentle spirit and kindness.

Brian is survived by wife Nancy (Madden) Nelson.   He is also survived by his mother Judy, his sister Kristin Nelson, her husband Tim Jauernig and their children Tyler (Amelia) and Jensen, two grandchildren, Finnegan Dombowski and Oakley Nardi and a great nephew, Cayde.  He is further survived by father in-law Donald Madden and sisters-in-law Sandy Madden (Tom Baker) and Karen Madden.  Brian was grateful for the incredible love and support from his family and tremendous network of friends.

Brian was preceded in death by his father Ronald Nelson and his step-father Russell Stahnke and also his step-son, Terry Dombrowski. 

Brian spent his entire life living with challenges associated with CLOVES syndrome.  CLOVES syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by tissue overgrowth and complex vascular anomalies.   At birth, his parents were told he may not survive beyond the age of two.  After many complications, surgeries and hospitalizations related to CLOVES, Brian still led a happy, fiercely independent, and God filled life; especially enjoying travel with his family, being active in high school and college activities with friends, singing in the choir at Wesley United Methodist church as well as serving as financial secretary/treasurer for the church and treasurer for the Wausau Symphony and Band.  He especially enjoyed his time as RONBO the tramp clown with the Beja Shrine Clown Unit entertaining children of all ages. 

After graduating from Wausau East High School and the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Brian used his gift of caring and concern for others dealing with disabilities by serving as the Director of Independent Living Services early in his career and later as a financial advocate at Bridge Community Health Clinic.  He also enjoyed working for periods of time at Eastbay and WPS Health Insurance.

Later in life, Brian found and married the love of his life, Nancy.  They were married on September 29, 2012 at Wesley United Methodist Church.  They were grateful for the time they spent every year in Door County, enjoyed two wonderful vacations at Disney World where they experienced the magic of family and youth and enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren who were the lights of his life.

Visitation will be held, February 19, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 N 6th Street, Wausau.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on February 20, 2021 at Wesley Methodist Church in Wausau with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service.  Social distancing guidelines will be observed as well as face masks required by all who attend. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Wesley Methodist Facebook page.   A Masonic funeral will be held prior to the service. Burial services will be held at the Pine Hill Cemetery, Curtiss, following the funeral service.   Brian will rest in peace with beloved family members. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to consider memorial contributions made to CLOVES Syndrome Community (https://clovessyndrome.org/).  The mission of CLOVES Syndrome Community is to research, provide support and education and to assist with CLOVES and their families.

“We are SHRINE CLOWNS.  We are there to entertain and everyone is normal in our eyes and we are there to make kids happy.  We can always cry later.”

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