Neelian O. "Neil" Nelson, Jr., age 72 of rural Argyle, WI passed away Friday, December 30, 2016 at his home surrounded by those who loved him most. He was born November 2, 1944 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC the son of Capt. Neelian and Margaret (Haesler) Nelson. Neil graduated from Argyle High School in 1962 and later from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1967 with a degree in Agronomy. He was united in marriage to Dawn Maurer on October 15, 1982 in Monroe, WI. Neil lived in Virginia, Maryland, Alaska, and Ohio before moving to Argyle in February of 1955 where he began farming until his retirement in 2013.

Neil is survived by his wife Dawn at home; six children: Teresa Brommer of McFarland, WI, Ron Nelson and Neil "Nut" Nelson both of Argyle, Denny Beutel of Monroe, Eric (Stacey) Beutel of Sun Prairie, WI, and Jillian (Aaron) Gifford of Blanchardville, WI; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and eight brothers and sisters: Elizabeth (Doug Biwersi) Hauda of Madison, WI, Denise (Pat) Coldagelli of Green Bay, WI, Laurabeth Efron of Overland Park, KS, John Nelson of Platteville, WI; Thomas (Lynn) Nelson of rural Argyle, Naomi Christine (Rick) Romdenne, Thad (Kathy) Nelson, and Marjorie (Stanton) Bigelow all of Argyle. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one son: Timothy Nelson.

Neil was a member of Apple Grove Lutheran Church in rural Argyle. He dedicated his entire working career to farming. Neil had a love for history and science and was always full of knowledge. Neil truly enjoyed sports and the outdoors. He loved spending time with his family creating memories that will be cherished forever. Neil will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Thursday, January 5, 2016 at 11:00 A.M at Apple Grove Lutheran Church (14501 Apple Grove Church Road, Argyle) with Rev. Daniel L. Bohlman officiating. Burial will be in Apple Grove Cemetery. A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2016 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (801 Milwaukee Street, Argyle) and on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Neil's name.