JANESVILLE/BLANCHARDVILLE - Howard William Nelson, age 69 of Janesville, formerly of Blanchardville, died on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at the Mercy Hospital in Janesville. He was born on April 6, 1939 in Wilton, Wisconsin to George and Helen (Backhus) Nelson. He lived with his family in Wilton until they moved to rural Argyle, and then later, rural Blanchardville. He started grade school in Argyle, then went to the Ingwell-Watrud rural school when they moved to rural Blanchardville. He graduated from the Blanchardville High School in 1956. He farmed with his father for some time, worked in Verona at Carnes and then was employed for the rest of his working years at the GM Assembly Plant in Janesville. He retired from GM in 1995 after putting in over 30 years. He was a member of the UAW Local 95 union in Janesville. He was married on August 11, 1961 to Jane Hughes in Hollandale. They lived in Blanchardville. At that time he joined the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. He was later married to Janet (Schultz) Youmans on August 10, 1990 in Janesville. Howard loved spending time with his family, coming back to Blanchardville for the Pec Jam, the Chicken Barbecue, and Homecoming and having dinner with his girls. He was a very good carpenter, and was handy at fixing things. He also enjoyed working in his yard and on his home. Howard loved his dog, Molly.

Howard is survived by his wife, Janet Nelson of Janesville; five daughters, Jeri (Craig Winsberg) Nelson of Blanchardville, Julie (Steve Jeglum) Nelson of Blanchardville, Jacquelyn Johnson of Rochester, Minnesota, Amy Nelson of Janesville, and Jennifer Youmans of Janesville; two sisters, Grace (Gordy) Larson of Blanchardville and Jeanette Forman of Oregon; one brother, Marvin (Karen) Nelson of Janesville; and seven grandchildren, Steven, Spencer, Sawyer, Sammy, Tyler "TJ", Teagan, and Brodie. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Martin George Nelson, who died at birth; and a brother-in-law, Frank Forman. 

A funeral liturgy will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. Fr. Michael Radowicz will officiate. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday evening, March 13, 2009 at the Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com

Saether Funeral Home

(608) 523-4247