Guy Nelson

Entering the world three months early on October 21, 1950, weighing only 2 lbs. 10 oz Guy William Knappenberger Nelson made his debut at his Grandma and Grandpa Meyers house on Maple Street in Evansville, the only son of Joyce B. Brown and Ralph W. Knappenberger. Thankful for Dr. Sorkin’s expertise and quick-thinking skills he would spend the first three months at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison where the Sister’s took exceptional care of him.

Guy spent his first four years of his life in Evansville, venturing on to Madison for his education years. Residing on Lake Kegonsa in 1968 Guy’s mother would marry Burlyn “Dutch” Nelson who was a mentor and held a very special bond with Guy.

Guy always loved the water, whether he was sitting by it, swimming, or waterskiing. He loved all that lake life provided. The entire family has lots of fond memories at grandma and grandpa Nelsons home on the lake. Guy always enjoyed waterskiing and boating where he would like to share his passion of the water with his family and friends. Who remembers Guy teaching you to waterski?

Hitch hiking to Madison to secure his career in the lighting industry, Guy was employed many years for Culver Electric Company. His charming personality would attract many repeat customers and special requests for his expertise. Many of his coworkers from Culver Electric would turn into lifelong friends. Angie Manthe being one of those special friendships.

Guy met the love of his life and soul mate Arlene Phillips through a mutual friend. Dating only a few months and Guy knew right away Arlene was “the one.” They exchanged vows on June 21, 1969, at the Baptist Church in Evansville.

Making Stoughton their home in 1972 together they raised three wonderful children, Amie Lynn, Shelby Jo, and Chad William. Guys children were the lights of his life, his greatest achievement in case he hadn’t told you.

Guy would also leave impressions on many of his children’s friends throughout the years. No slumber birthday party would be complete without celebration by Kool and the Gang and Guy getting everyone dancing.

Guy and Arlene would travel to many places and enjoyed many experiences together in their 53 years of marriage. Guys most memorable trip was to Hawaii.

Upon Arlene’s retirement they moved to Janesville in 2013 where they would purchase the home of their dreams. They spent many of years watching their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren enjoy and learn how to swim in their pool.

Anyone who knew Guy loved him. He was a caring, compassionate, loving man who always had time for you and an in-depth conversation.

Those who will miss him most include his wife, Arlene; daughter, Amie (Jim) Edgington; son, Chad W. (Stephanie Mikkelson) Nelson; son-in-law, Brad Bartz; 12 grandchildren, Samantha Young, Malorie “Malz” Bartz, “Jimmy Bo Bimmy” James Edgington II, Cody Nelson, Sheryl Lynn Bartz, Ruby “Rubers” Bartz, Gunnar “Gunnar Wunnar” Nelson, Bradley Bartz, Mia “Mia Bea” Nelson, Cooper “Cooper Booper” Nelson, and Arlene Lia Jo Nelson; five great grandchildren, Sophia Lynn, Zaelynn, Cashis, Emma, Hannah, and coming soon, Nova Jo; sister, Julie (Brad) Shoemaker; brother-in-law, Gary Luhman; nephew, Nathan Beecher; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carol and Richard Franklin, Randy and Jolaine Phillips, Cheryl and Wayne Trow, Mary (Tom) Beaver; godson, Lukas Trow; and many family and friends. Meeting him in paradise are his beloved daughter, Shelby Jo; grandson, Tyler Bailey; mother, Joyce Nelson; father, Ralph Knappenberger; bonus father, Burlyn “Dutch” Nelson; sister, Janet Luhman; sister, Megan Nelson; in-laws, Arthur and Ruby Phillips; and brother-in-law, Art Phillips.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect Street, Stoughton. Friends and family are invited to a reception, immediately following, at the Stoughton American Legion. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until the time of services Wednesday at the funeral home. Private burial will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Evansville.

Padre, the love for your family was one of a kind. We will all miss you FOREVER.

Please share your memories of Guy by posting on his Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral Service

206 W. Prospect Street, PO Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244