Kenneth George Nelson age 80, passed away on August 26, 2026 unexpectedly at his farm.

Ken was born September 25, 1945 in Dodgeville, WI the only son of George and Marcella (Holmes) Nelson. He graduated from Highland High School in 1963 and enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17. While attending basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois, where he was pursuing a career as an electrician, Ken was sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Kenny took military leave and returned to Wisconsin to marry his high school sweetheart, Elaine A. Eggers, on August 13, 1964.

In January 1965, Kenny was transferred aboard the USS Sierra, a destroyer tender, stationed in Norfolk, VA. In 1966 Kenny re-enlisted and was transferred to Newport, RI. under Admiral Van Ardsdale, (Com Crew Des Lant : Commander in Chief of the North Atlantic Fleet). He continued his service as a Second Class Petty Officer, E-5. Kenny was the Engineman on the Admiral’s personal boat and reported to sea on the USS Yosemite.

In January of 1969, Ken received orders to deploy to Vietnam. He completed 9 weeks of specialized training in San Diego and Mare Island. In March 1969 Kenny deployed for Cam Rahn Naval Base where he continued his work as an Engineman aboard the PCF-88 for 14 months. In May 1970 Kenny was Honorably Discharged and returned to Wisconsin, to his wife and three year old son.

Kenny has led a full life. He owned and operated two small businesses, a fueling station and flooring company, before beginning a career as a Glazier and ultimately retiring in 2008. He and Elaine owned a small hobby farm just outside Sun Prairie, WI for the past 47 years where they raised their four children.

Ken has endured many adversities in his life including a major motor vehicle accident in 1972 that took his senses of taste and smell and required a 30 day hospital stay, a neuro-surgery to battle spinal meningitis in 1977, a stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2015 and the loss of his wife in 2022.

Kenny enjoyed fishing, playing cards, watching his son race, his boys playing baseball/softball, giving tractor rides to his grandchildren, lovingly giving many treats to his grand dogs and talking with everyone. He was blessed to have traveled to Europe, Disney World, Nashville, and a very favorite trip to Deadwood with his entire family. Ken remained active with the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was fortunate to take a Badger Honor Flight in 2016.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws and wife Elaine. He is survived by his sons, Scott (Kimberlee) Nelson Cambridge, WI, Jody (Kimberly) Nelson Marshall, WI, Cristopher (Angela) Nelson Sun Prairie, WI, and daughter Amanda (Robert) Isaacs Buffalo, MN, his grandchildren Kasey (Jacob) Hintz, Kassidy Nelson, Kyle Kautzer, Sydney (Drew) Bradley, Payten Nelson, Camaron Isaacs-Olson, Blake & Carly Nelson, Madison Isaacs, great granddaughters Tahira and Avery, sister Marlene (Freeman) Grover and many nieces, nephews.

A funeral service will be held on September 12, 2026 at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie WI 53590. Visitation from 10am-12pm, service immediately following. Interment of Ken and Elaine will be at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens, 1147 Clarmar Dr, Sun Prairie, WI beginning at 1:30PM. A celebration of life will be held at Buck & Honeys, 804 Liberty Blvd, Sun Prairie, WI beginning at 3pm. Light appetizers and refreshments provided.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating blood to the American Red Cross, or monetary funds to SMA Foundation (curesma.org/ways-to-give) or Cure JM (curejm.org/donate).

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054