Jeffrey Nelson

MADISON – Jeffrey P. Nelson was born on August 16, 1948, in Racine, Wisconsin to Walter Nelson and Jeanette Caspers Nelson.

Jeff’s early years were spent in Racine for elementary, junior and high school. He was a graduate of Horlick High School, and attended UW La Crosse where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in psychology and sociology. He later attended UW Madison and obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work. His professional career was in administrative and social work positions in La Crosse, Marshfield and Madison. He was very involved in the Society for Hospital Social Work Directors and served on many committees and boards on the state and national level.

Jeffrey was an avid golfer who shot birdies, an eagle, and missed a hole-in-one by an inch at golf courses around the country. His love of classical music began in his youth as he spent hours listening with his father. He traveled throughout the US, Canada and Western Europe. He especially enjoyed the river boat cruise in France and staying at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.

He is survived by his life partner, Barbara Main, whom he deeply loved; his daughter, Kara Nelson Melvin, and son, Blair Nelson; the mother of his children, Sue Nelson; six grandchildren, Hannah, Ava and Brady Melvin, and McKenna, Reed and Finnigan Johnelson; a sister, Sally Nelson; and brothers, Terry and Danny Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Ricky Nelson.

He died suddenly and painlessly on June 2, 2021, at home from a brain aneurism at age 72. A memorial service will be held at Cress Funeral and Cremation Service, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 3pm. Friends may greet the family from 1:30 until the time of service. A reception will follow at the funeral home at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Tee-South Central Wisconsin , 5501 Schroeder Road, Ste. 100, Madison 53711, UW-WI Medical Foundation , 7974 UW Health Court, Middleton, WI 53562, and the University of WI-La Crosse Foundation , 615 East Avenue N., La Crosse, WI 54601.

Jeffrey…your life’s work is done. Rest in Peace.