Leonard Nelson

MADISON - Leonard C. "Ike" Nelson, age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, April 29, 2015. He was born in Madison on May 25, 1931 to the late Otto and Anna (Wills) Nelson.

Ike was a lifelong resident of the Madison/Verona area. He attended Central High School, graduating Class of '49. On December 16, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Moore at Trinity United Methodist Church where they were longtime members. Leonard worked at Madison Newspapers his entire working career.

He was a Zor Shriner and a Keystone Kop for many years. He loved to put his grandchildren in the Keystone Kop Paddy Wagon and take them on short rides in the parade routes. Leonard and Donna enjoyed traveling and camping with the Good Sam Camping Club. Ike enjoyed playing cards and telling jokes to anyone who would listen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Donna; 2 daughters, Renee (Michael) Baumgartner of Wisconsin Dells; Denise Ott of Stoughton; grandchildren, Jeffrey Baumgartner, and Casey and Jesse Ott; siblings: Lorraine Moore, Thomas Nelson, Olga Koberstein, Dagmar Slinde, Leonette Sprecher, Donald Nelson, Nancy Talbert, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ike was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Dave Ott, granddaughter, Beth Baumgartner; siblings, Arnold, Julian, Norman, and Milo Nelson, and Francis Schulz.

A special thank you to Home Health United Hospice for their wonderful care and support, especially, nurses, Lynn and Leah and the Rev. Ridley Usherwood.

A memorial gathering will be held at NOON on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Family will greet friends and family beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service. A reception in the Cress Community Room will follow.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Zor Shrine Hospitals.