Earl J. Nelson, Jr., 92, Bowler, died Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at Homme Home of Wittenberg under the care of his family and Ministry Hospice, Wausau.
He was born on May 1, 1925 in Waterford, PA, the son of the late Earl Sr. and Selma (Terkleson) Nelson.
On June 23, 1962, Earl was united in marriage to Patricia McFarlane in Iowa. She preceded him in death on March 7, 2001.
Earl attended Wayside Grade School and graduated from Wittenberg High School in 1943. Earl was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving from 1944-1946. Following an honorable discharge, Earl moved to Bowler where he farmed together with his parents until 1957. He then operated Nelson's Service until 1972 and then was employed at Clintonville Motors for 21 years, retiring in 1993. Earl joined the Bowler Fire Department in 1960 where he was fire chief for 20 plus years. He served on the Bowler Village Board from 1964-2010 and drove school bus for 29 years. Earl was a member of the Bowler American Legion from 1947 to present as well as a member of the Shawano County 40/8 from 1950 to present. He belonged to the Bowler Snowmobile Club since 1970 and was a charter member of the Wittenberg FFA Chapter.
Survivors include five children, Debbie (Greg) Rosenow, Eland, Vickie Spencer, Schofield, Kim (Ron) Beran, Birnamwood, Gary (Marie) Spencer, Florida and Alan "Buzz" (Robin) Nelson, Lena; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; one sister, Maryanne Johnson, Chicago and one brother-in-law, Fred Lang, Tigerton.
In addition to his wife and parents, Earl was preceded in death by one brother, Forrest; one sister, Janet Lang and one brother in law, Jules Johnson.
The funeral service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bowler. Rev. Michael Schram will officiate with militry rites conducted by the American Legion. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Tigerton. Visitation will be held from 4PM to 8PM Wednesday at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, and again on Thursday from 9AM until the time of service at the church.
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