Obituary for Charles Robert "Bob" Nelson
Charles Robert “Bob” Nelson, 91, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born and raised in Madison, WI, the son of a painting contractor and housewife. He attended Madison public schools.
He attended Madison’s Central High School, playing football for four years, basketball for three, was a soloist in the choir and the operetta, and was a member of the Hi-Y Club, the equivalent of today’s Key Club.
After graduation it was on to the United States Navy for a three and one-half year stint as a radioman. He was assigned to a communication ship in the South Pacific. They were the first troops to occupy Japan, later making up part of Joint Task Force One. They went to Bikini Islands for the first Atomic Bomb tests.
After the war, Bob returned to Wisconsin to attend the Wisconsin State University-Whitewater, majoring at first in secondary education, then switching to elementary education. While in college he met his wife, Joan.
On June 20, 1953, he married Joan Elizabeth Davis in Monroe, WI. They moved to Kenosha the same year. After 59 years of marriage, Joan preceded him in death on July 13, 2012.
He began his teaching career opening Wilson School, he remained there 11 years. He went on to teach at other local schools. While teaching, he pursued his Master’s in School Administration. He then became a principal at Green Bay Road School, Highland School, Hillcrest, Berryville, Grewenow, Lincoln, and retired from Pleasant Prairie Elementary.
Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, bowling, fishing, traveling and “being lazy if that’s possible.” He was an avid golfer and sports fan. He loved the Packers, Brewers and Badgers.
Bob is survived by his children, Timothy (Catherine) Nelson of Kenosha, Lynn (John) Linneman of New Richmond, WI, and Christi (Matt Hollenback) Nelson of Appleton, WI; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and his beloved friend, Shirley Forsberg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Emma (Hart) Nelson; and his wife, Joan.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 10th, at Proko Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Aurora at Home Hospice Kenosha or Kenosha Firefighters C.A.R.E would be appreciated by the family.
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111-60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone: (262) 654-3533
Visit & Sign Bob’s Online Memorial Book at:
www.prokofuneralhome.com
Bob was born and raised in Madison, WI, the son of a painting contractor and housewife. He attended Madison public schools.
He attended Madison’s Central High School, playing football for four years, basketball for three, was a soloist in the choir and the operetta, and was a member of the Hi-Y Club, the equivalent of today’s Key Club.
After graduation it was on to the United States Navy for a three and one-half year stint as a radioman. He was assigned to a communication ship in the South Pacific. They were the first troops to occupy Japan, later making up part of Joint Task Force One. They went to Bikini Islands for the first Atomic Bomb tests.
After the war, Bob returned to Wisconsin to attend the Wisconsin State University-Whitewater, majoring at first in secondary education, then switching to elementary education. While in college he met his wife, Joan.
On June 20, 1953, he married Joan Elizabeth Davis in Monroe, WI. They moved to Kenosha the same year. After 59 years of marriage, Joan preceded him in death on July 13, 2012.
He began his teaching career opening Wilson School, he remained there 11 years. He went on to teach at other local schools. While teaching, he pursued his Master’s in School Administration. He then became a principal at Green Bay Road School, Highland School, Hillcrest, Berryville, Grewenow, Lincoln, and retired from Pleasant Prairie Elementary.
Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, bowling, fishing, traveling and “being lazy if that’s possible.” He was an avid golfer and sports fan. He loved the Packers, Brewers and Badgers.
Bob is survived by his children, Timothy (Catherine) Nelson of Kenosha, Lynn (John) Linneman of New Richmond, WI, and Christi (Matt Hollenback) Nelson of Appleton, WI; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and his beloved friend, Shirley Forsberg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Emma (Hart) Nelson; and his wife, Joan.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 10th, at Proko Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Aurora at Home Hospice Kenosha or Kenosha Firefighters C.A.R.E would be appreciated by the family.
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111-60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone: (262) 654-3533
Visit & Sign Bob’s Online Memorial Book at:
www.prokofuneralhome.com