Walton Charles Nelson was born in 1934 and departed in 2020 from Oakwood Village in Madison, WI. There is a saying by Lorraine Peterson that his son Charles Nelson sent him on a card for his 86th birthday before he took off: “Anyone can be cool, but awesome takes practice.” And practice he did all his awesome life, much as he practiced his music.

Walt Nelson was adventurous and even in his last year tried paddle boarding for the first time; in his 70s he learned to surf in Hawaii. He could be relied upon to be that person in the front row on the rollercoaster. Memories are the best way to preserve such events. Some events may be better forgotten, though, such as the time he trimmed the trees in the front yard on a ladder with a chain saw in hand at age 79. When he set his mind to something you could not stop him—he had sheer grit. He led by quiet example and had a high level of personal discipline and planning: “Ok, it’s seven years. Time to strip and repaint the house.” He took words of wisdom to his heart such as: “measure twice, cut once.” And: “A place for every tool, every tool in its place.” And last but not least, “buy a new car—that way you know exactly how it got the miles.”

Walt Nelson was born in Willmar, Minnesota to Nels Peder Nelson and Luella Christine Nelson (nee Johns); he attended school there until he went to Hamline University in the Twin Cities and then the University of Minnesota, where he attained a music degree and a Master of Arts degree in music. He also later received certification in the teaching of music to disabled children; we fondly remember him modifying musical instruments and making new instruments so that children with different needs could play music. He would also make beautiful wood toys for his grandchildren as well as the neighbor kids.

Walt worked with his father’s construction company, Nelson Construction, while growing up, but chose to go a daringly alternate route via music for his life. He taught marching band and music in various places such as Mountain Iron, MN, Kenosha, WI, and East High School in Madison, WI. Even after he retired, former students of his would recognize him and rush up to him to talk. He would always graciously talk with them and find out what they had been doing since their marching band and music days.

Walt professionally played the French horn in the Duluth Symphony early on; this is where he met his wife, Kay, who also played the French horn for the Symphony. They also played in the Kenosha Symphony in addition to teaching together in the Kenosha school system before moving to Madison, where he played French horn for the Madison Brass for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Loy Kay Nelson, his daughter Jennifer Nelson, and son Charles Nelson (AnnaLisa) as well as grandchildren Anders Nelson and Aurora Nelson. He has many friends and relatives who remember him fondly. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Sherman Wayne Nelson and Lionel Norman Nelson.

A remembrance ceremony will be scheduled at a later date due to the virus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church, 3705 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Walton Nelson

October 20, 1934 - October 20, 2020

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