Bonna Nelson
December 12, 1929 - August 25, 2022
Obituary
Bonna Kay Nelson, born December 12, 1929, in Grand Haven, MIchigan to Kenneth and Winifred Vyn, passed away peacefully August 25, 2022, in Madison, Wisconsin. She attended the Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education in Fairhope, Alabama and graduated high school from Metairie Park Country Day School, New Orleans, Louisiana in 1947. She graduated from Mills College, Oakland, California, 1951 and served three years in the Women’s Medical Specialist Corps as a 1st Lieutenant where she received her Occupational Therapy (OT) degree. Kay married the love of her life, Roger C. Nelson October 2, 1952, in Battle Creek, Michigan, having known and loved him since childhood.
In 1965 the Nelsons moved to Madison, Wisconsin where they enjoyed life with their 5 children, Bruce, Sue, Dirk, Sarah and Dale.
Kay was an OT at Central Wisconsin Center (CWC) for 27 years, an active and life member of the Girl Scouts of America (GSA) where she was involved with girl and adult programming, a member of the First Unitarian Society, MATC Show Choir, Cherokee School Forest, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, WOW’s and a Civic Center Usher.
Kay is survived by children Bruce and Cheryl Nelson, Schofield, WI; Sue and Dennis Rokos, Delanson, NY; Dirk and Karla Nelson, Kenosha, WI; Sarah and Jeff Howells, Lake Mills, WI; Dale and Amy Nelson, Fitchburg, WI; grandchildren Doug Avery and Blair Culbreth, Dora and John Hutchins, Samantha Rokos, Timothy Rokos, Erik and Ashlee Nelson, Kristin Nelson, Clare and Marvin Tsang, Trevor Howells, Julie Howells, Hannah Nelson and Jack Nelson, great grandchildren Olivia, Kaden and Luke Nelson; siblings Michelle Carlson and Jon Vyn.
She is predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Roger; sister Valerie Vyn-Coleman, brother-in-law Theodore Nelson, and sister-in-law Florence Nelson.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, remember Kay by reading or donating a book, supporting a local performance or visual arts group, or just take a walk in the woods and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The family especially wishes to thank the staff of Oakwood Village and Agrace Hospice for the loving and compassionate care given to Kay.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N Sherman Ave 608-249-8257