Darrald Nelson

MADISON-Darrald E. Nelson, age 77, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. He was born Oct. 29, 1937, in Blue River, son to Raymond and Leuretta (Weir) Nelson. Darrald was united in marriage to Vicky Gottschalk on March 29, 1968 in Rockford, Illinois. Darrald was proud to serve in the Korean War in the Army and the Airforce. He was also very proud of being a Commander of the American Legion Post 501. Darrald loved being a semi-truck driver for Lynn Transportation, where he was employed for several years. He was a "jack of all trades" and an animal lover. He adored his Pugs, "Pugsey" and "Chance", and his cats "Spirit", "Little Mama", "Pretty Girl", "Suzy", "Putty Tat", "Toes", and "Lover". He also adored his youngest son's dog "KK" and his daughter's puppies, "Stitch" and "Tidbit". Darrald was a Chicago Cubs fan and he enjoyed playing his guitar. He was a selfless man who was known to always help others before helping himself.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Vicky; sons, Robert (Tonia) and Raymond (Heather); and daughter, Virginia Nelson; grandchildren, Tammy, Autumn and Austin Nelson, and Brandon Edwards; siblings, Shirley Sword, Myron Nelson, LeRoy Nelson, LaVonne Porter and Kenneth Nelson. Darrald was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Jimmy, and his brother, Roland.

A Celebration of Darrald's life will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 East Washington Ave., Madison, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. and also from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service on Friday. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.


"Your love and laughter will be missed by all, and you will forever be held close to us in our hearts. We love you."

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison (608)249-6666