Oscar Keith Nelson

Keith was born on the family farm near Dousman, WI to Oscar J. and Winnifred J. Nelson on November 26, 1929. Keith attended the one room school at Sand Lake, Waukesha High School and River Falls State Teachers College majoring in Agricultural Education. Shortly after graduation he was drafted into the United States Marine Corp where he completed radio relay training in two years, in 1954 was honorably discharged and taught one year at Glenbeulah High School. On June 11, 1955 he married Rose Marie Peper in Centuria, WI. They moved to Madison where he entered graduate study at UW-Madison where he completed his degree. Then they moved to Wisconsin Rapids where he became the Wood County 4-H Youth Agent. In July 1970 Keith, Rose and their family moved to Rhinelander where Keith accepted a 4-H UW- Extension Youth Agent position for Oneida, Forest, Florence and Vilas Counties, Keith retired in 1986. In 1988 he became a Rural Mutual Insurance Agent and retired in 1992.

Since 1970 he has been as active member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the men’s prayer breakfast; chairing the remodeling of the church and singing in the choir. He was a 30 year member of the Nicolet College Male Chorus, an active Kiwanis member, Leathernecks of the North and YMCA Strong Kids Program. He enjoyed camping with the family throughout the United States, world travel and cruises.

Keith is survived by his wife Rose, his five children; Linda (Alan) Sumwalt of Dousman, Tom, David (Melody), Gerald (Vicki) all of Rhinelander, Nola Nelson Devereau of Milwaukee, and daughter-in-law Nancy of Benton Harbor, MI., sisters; Janet (Wally) Hermann of Sheboygan and Frances Wohlwend of Lakewood, MN and eight grandchildren; Steven, Michael, Kaylee, Nelson, Andrew, Dedra, Maxwell and Alexis. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Lawrence, a sister, Genevieve Palmquist and his son John.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday November 7, 2011 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Rebecca Niese. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Sunday November 6, 2011 at Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home and also on Monday November 7, 2011 at 10:00am until time of service at the church. Memorials can be given to First United Methodist Church or the YMCA Strong Kids Program. Rhinelander’s Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343, is assisting the family with arrangements and invites all to sign Keith’s guest book on line at hildebrandfh.com.

Thanks to our Ministry Home Care Hospice staff.