George Nelson

Madison - George Albert Nelson, age 76, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2015. The cause of death was chronic lung disease. He was born in Madison on June 6, 1938 to Dorothea Victoria Smith Nelson and Russell Arthur Nelson. A life-long Madisonian, a status in which he took great pride, George graduated from Madison West High School, Class of 1956, and was awarded a B.A. in Business (Finance) from the University of Wisconsin in 1960. He married Judith Mann (nee Norrell) in 1982 and their life together was an accomplishment he treasured above all others. Judy was the true love of his life.

George Nelson was one of the most important civic leaders in the history of the city of Madison. He was a beloved husband and father, and adored grandfather, a respected business leader, an admired philanthropist and a dear and trusted friend of many. He was a confidant of Governors, County Executives and Mayors, a colleague of business executives, an advisor to non-profit leaders, and a supporter of philanthropists large and small and anyone who cared about Madison as much as he did. He started his career at the National Bank of Detroit in 1961, then joined the First Wisconsin Bank in 1966, rising to Executive Vice President. After achieving success in the banking industry, George succeeded his father on the board of The Evening Telegram Company (dba Morgan Murphy Media) where he worked for 35 years as the Vice President for Finance from the Madison office of WISC TV. He was passionate about the company and imbued it with his personal integrity and character. He meshed the community involvement mission of the company with his own love of Madison and had an impact on the city that is virtually unparalleled. George played pivotal roles in the creation and building of Madison College's Truax Campus, the Ronald McDonald House, the American Family Children's Hospital, the Overture Center, and especially, the realization of a life-long dream for many in the city of Madison, the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. In addition, there are countless other projects in Madison over the last 40 years that bear George's fingerprints. He was president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and played an instrumental role in the work of Future Madison Housing which resulted in the transformation of neighborhoods including Vera Court, Allied Drive and Wexford Ridge. He was a long-time member of the boards of the Madison Community Foundation, Sub-Zero Wolf, Janesville Sand and Gravel, and Town and Gown. While still exerting his considerable personal influence on Madison's business and civic communities, George also championed training and development for the next generation of leaders through organizations like Leadership Greater Madison. Madison Magazine's George Nelson Future Madison Leadership Award was created to honor his work. George's many awards and honors included his 2012 induction into the Madison Business Executive Hall of Fame.

George was preceded in death by his father, Russell Arthur Nelson and mother, Dorothea Victoria Smith Nelson and sister Elizabeth (Nelson) Farrell.

He is survived by his wife, Judith; children and spouses: Mark Nelson (Colleen), Kathryn Coleman (Ramon), Jennifer Hise (Rod), Amy Acker (Scott); stepdaughter, Laurie Bish (Michael); grandchildren, Chad Nelson (Sarah), Ashley Phipps (Jason), Kyle Nelson, Victoria Nelson, Rachael Frazee (Daniel), Jonathan Coleman, Sydney Hise, William Hise, Brandon Acker, Emme Acker, Emily Bish, Elizabeth Bish, Andrew Bish, Grace Bish, Matthew Bish; great-grandchilren, Amelia and Marie Nelson. He is also survived by four siblings, Grace Reed, John Nelson (Katherine), Cynthia Nelson, Russell Nelson (Nancy), many nieces and nephews and cousins. A private family funeral will be held. It will be followed by a community Celebration of George's life at Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Heather Peto and staff at UW Hospital, Madison for their extraordinary care, Dr. Michael Thom, Dr. Kevin McAllister, and the exceptional comfort care at home from Home Health United Hospice nurses, aides, social workers and Sister Georgeann.

Memorials may be made to the American Family Children's Hospital, Attn: Colleen Fraser, 1675 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792-8350; and the Ronald McDonald House, 2716 Marshall Court, Madison, WI 53705.

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