Arlene L. Nelson

Arlene Lena Phillips Nelson went peacefully to everlasting paradise on February 21, 2025. Arlene was born January 12, 1949, to her proud parents Arthur E. Phillips and Ruby W. Cato Phillips. 

Arlene was the 2nd child entering the Phillips family. Arlene, along with her older sister Carol would help raise Randy, Cheryl, Arthur, and Mary Ann.

Arlene went to school in Evansville, Wisconsin, graduating and was a proud Blue Devil Alum. Arlene would get several medals and a letter in band. Arlene had a great passion for sports, most boys in her class didn’t want to play against her. After graduating in 1967, Arlene would find her passion in helping others. Securing a role in the health care field, Arlene worked for the UW Hospital, Colonial Manor, Nygaard Nursing Home, and Stoughton Hospital when she retired in 2014.

Arlene married the love of her life on June 21st1969, Guy William (Knappenberger) Nelson at The Baptist Church in Evansville, Wisconsin. Together they would raise the joys of their lives Amie, Shelby Jo and Chad Nelson in Stoughton.

Arlene enjoyed traveling. She would visit Europe, Spain, Hawaii, Jamaca and the Caribbean to name a few.

Arlene also enjoyed baking and cooking. She was always up to try a new recipe. Her famous mayo cake will be missed by many. Arlene had many talents from rosemaling, crocheting and drawing. She would crochet a blanket for every grand and great grandbaby.

Arlene was an avid Badger fan and enjoyed cheering them on when she could. Arlene also enjoyed cheering on her grandson Bradley Bartz in his football, wrestling and baseball. She was always thankful for the YouTube live streaming.

Those who will miss her most are her daughter Amie (Jim) Edgington, son Chad W. Nelson (Stephanie Mikkelson), son-in-law Brad Bartz, sister Carol (Richard) Franklin, brother Randy (Jolaine) Phillips, sister Cheryl (Wayne) Trow and sister-in-law Julie Shoemaker. Granddaughters Samantha Young, Mallory Bartz, Sheryl Lynn Hatch, Ruby Bartz, Mia Nelson, Arlene “Lia” Nelson, grandsons James Edgington II, Cody Nelson, Gunner Nelson, Bradley Bartz Jr., and Cooper Nelson. Great Grandchildren Sophia Lynn, Zaelynn, Cashis, Emma, Hannah, Nova Jo, Alina and Cyrus. Special godson Lukas Trow and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Welcoming her to paradise with open arms what a glorious unification, her husband Guy William Nelson, daughter Shelby Jo Bartz, grandson Tyler Bailey, her parents Ruby and Arthur Phillips, brothers Arthur Jr. and Arthur Earl Phillips, and sister Mary Beaver.

Also her favorite of all favorite canine Babe.

Mama, Nana, and great Nana, your devotion and love to us all was one of a kind. If there was only 1 piece of cake left, you were suddenly full, and we should have it. Generous beyond measure. You are forever loved by all of us. Enjoy a piece of cake with coffee and read a good book every chance you get. Until we see you again.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:30 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday March 2, 2025, at the Stoughton VFW, 200 Veterans Rd. Stoughton, WI 53589.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

206 W. Prospect, P.O. Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com