Oscar N. Nelson Jr.

Cambridge, WI– Oscar Norman Nelson Jr., age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday May 3, 2024, at Oak Park Place in Janesville.  He was born June 4, 1937, in Stoughton to the late Oscar Sr. and Gladys (Nygaard) Nelson.  He attended Utica grade school and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1955.  He married Ann B. Derr on July 5, 1958, at St. Bernard Catholic Church.  He and Ann moved their family to the farm in Utica in 1969.  Together they raised tobacco, other cash crops and steers for many years.  If you see the clouds bouncing – Oscar and Ann are reunited as dancing partners once again! 

Oscar drove truck for his father – Nelson Trucking, Madison Crushing and cement truck for many years at Sunby Concrete and Sun Prairie Concrete.  Oscar was involved in many groups and activities over the years including: a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cambridge, spotted the boat for the horse pulls at Utica Fest and Lake Ripley Umbrella Days.  He bowled for several years with his father and his brothers sponsored by his father’s business - Nelson Trucking – the only father and son team in Wisconsin at that time.  He was the leader and drummer with the Weeping Willows, also played drums in several bands for more than 28 years, including the Hilltoppers, Katey’s Trio (Katey Lund and Clarence Kriedeman), and Ole Gerald’s Band.  Oscar and Ann were honored as the 1984 Grand Marshalls of the Cambridge Homecoming Parade. For over 19 years he enjoyed the annual trip to the Polka Fest in Plover, Wisconsin.  Oscar helped build a blocking cage for the Cambridge High School football team, which is another one of his proud accomplishments. 

Oscar is survived by his children; Pamela (Mark) Cook, Dennis (Nan) Nelson, Douglas (Carie) Nelson, Patti (Rick) Hartley, David (Tammy) Nelson and Peggy (William) Conrad; 16 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sister Ruth Bovre, brother Ronald (Diane) Nelson and sister-in-law Suzie Nelson, and good friends Monica and Al Davis.

He is preceded in death by his wife Ann, parents, in-laws Roland and Clara Derr, brother Donald, Lowell (Butch), brother-in-law John Bovre, sisters-in-law Mary Torphy and Kathy Nelson.

Our family would like to thank Milton Senior Living, Milton; Oak Park Place, Janesville; and Hospice for all the care they provided to our dad.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1935 County Trunk V, Sun Prairie, on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM, at the Church.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 

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

(608) 873-9244 

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com