Herbert (Herb) J. Nelson, 96 of New Glarus died 27 July 2025 at his home. He was born July 4, 1929 at home in Yankee Hollow, Blanchardville, WI; the son of Ingvall and Estelle (Retrum) Nelson. Herbert was baptized at Blanchardville Lutheran Church and confirmed at York Memorial Church leading to a life of service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He attended Loyalty and Meadowview schools rural Blanchardville and three high schools; Blanchardville, Barneveld and Arena where he was a 1947 graduate. Herb participated in high school football, basketball and baseball and played baseball/ fast-pitch softball on area community teams. He made cheese and picked up area farmer’s milk cans for Prairie Hill cheese-factory near Twin Grove, WI when he met Emma Jean as she walked along her farm road to meet the school bus.
Herbert and Emma Jean (Zee) married on a cold November 4, 1951 at Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church, Juda, WI. He then became a devoted Christian father of three sons (David -1952, Steven -1954 and Michael -1956) while attending East Clarno Zion Methodist Church, Clarno, WI. He and his wife were first employed as a farm-couple on farms near Clarno and in 1955 rented a farm on Iliff road north of Monroe. He then purchased a farm on Tyvand road rural Blanchardville in 1962. Herb joined Old York Lutheran Church, Blanchardville before becoming a charter-member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, New Glarus in 1967. He was President of both Old York and Shepherd congregations, taught Sunday school, was an active lay reader, and studied under the Bethel Bible Series to achieve a teacher status. In retirement, he became janitor/handy man for many years at Shepherd and remained a devoted member until his death. After nine years of dairy farm ownership the farm was sold and he moved to New Glarus in 1971 and began work using many skills as a service tech for Erb Implement, New Glarus working on Allis Chalmers, New Idea and Gehl farm equipment and ended his career there as parts manager until retiring in 1994. He then worked as the Swiss Church cemetery sexton for 15 years as well as doing yard bush/tree trimming/snow removal for several residents in town.
Herbert cherished his eight siblings who lived relatively far apart throughout Wisconsin and California and relished the many family holiday and/or birthday gatherings to discuss (or brag) about children and past/current activities before eventually assembling with his brothers/nephews for a family softball, basketball or football games.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years Emma Jean; sons Steven H. (Janet), Madison and Michael D. (Fay), New Glarus, former but still daughter-in-law Barb Hauge, Monroe; grandchildren; Chad Nelson; Michelle Sollenberger, Matthew Lundberg, Michael F. Nelson, Adam C. Nelson and Thomas H. Nelson; great-grandchildren; Cady Rae Nelson, Kaleb L. Nelson, Brianna J.V.R. Foss; brothers; Clifford Nelson and Gerald (Beverly) Nelson and sisters-in-law; Jeanette Zee, Sharon Zee, Janet (Ron) Puritan and Elaine Lancaster along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son David L. Nelson, grand-son; Kevin L. Nelson; brothers/sisters-in-law; Knute (Esther) Nelson, Rolf (Claudia) Nelson; Arlene Nelson, brothers-in-law; Clifford Zee, Kenneth Zee, Roger Zee; sisters/brothers-in-law; Irene (Carl) Halvorson, Doris (Richard) Willborn, Helen (Otis) Jacobson, Violet Marie (Dick) Dickinson, CA; sisters-in-law/brothers-in-law; Lucille (Pat) Lunda and Ross Lancaster as well a few nieces and nephews.
A gathering of friends and relatives will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 506 12th Ave, New Glarus, WI with a memorial service to follow at 11:30 a.m., Pastor Erich Hartenberger officiating.
The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus, WI is assisting the family.
The family would like to thank the staffs of SSM Health at Home Hospice, SSM Clinic/Hospital at Monroe/New Glarus and New Glarus EMS for myriads of assistance and care for almost a century of life.
Online condolences may be given at www.bealfuneralhomes.com
