William Francis Nelson

Madison- William “Bill” Francis Nelson, 89, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025.

Bill was born on July 6, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri. As a child, he lived in Mississippi, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Missouri. He graduated from high school in Ferguson, Missouri, in 1953 and went on to attend Central Methodist College, where he studied history and played football for the Eagles. It was there that he met Fran Lauritson, and they married on his graduation day in 1957.

Bill and Fran moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where Bill attended the University of Wisconsin Law School. Early in his distinguished legal career, Bill also served in the United States Army Reserve. 

Bill practiced law for more than 50 years. His sharp mind, sense of fairness, and love of storytelling made him an exceptional attorney, mentor, and advocate. 

He was actively involved in legal education, contributing to mock trial programs for law students at the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Bill and Susan Steingass met while practicing law in Madison. They wed in 1983 in Waterford, Maine, and remained married until his death. Bill and Susan shared a rich and beautiful life with family and friends, and enjoyed extensive travel. There was always at least one dog.

Outside of his profession, Bill loved the outdoors and sports, particularly golf. He also cherished time spent hunting, a tradition he grew up with and proudly passed on to his son Steve. 

Bill was also an accomplished portrait and landscape photographer, whose images often reflected Wisconsin’s rural history. He was a talented writer, author of ‘Appointment at Ie Shima,’ a book about the War in the Pacific during World War II.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He had three children: Stephen Nelson, Carol Ceres (Brittany) and Susan Willis (Tomas); a stepson Brook Steingass (Linda); seven grandchildren: Jackson, Jo (Addie), Isaac, Rhone, Rakaia, Oakland, and June. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Carol; his parents William and Gertrude Nelson; his sister Evelyn Lauerman; and his brother Roger Nelson.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. There will be a celebration of life when warmer times come.

Burial took place in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Please share your memories of Bill by posting in his Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434