Madison – Donald Raymond Nelson, age 76, passed away on December 13, 2022 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital surrounded by his wife Judith and daughters Debra and Melissa. He was born on November 17, 1946 in Baltimore, Maryland to parents Lester and Margaret (Hanley) Nelson.

Donald attended Madison East HS. He worked various places in his life but ended his working years at Badgerland Erectors alongside his brother Dick.

Don spent many years running Don’s Small Engine Repair and was always fixing his friends and family’s lawn mowers and snow blowers. He enjoyed fishing on the local lakes and Lake Michigan, hunting for deer, pheasant and ducks, gambling at the casinos, good music, the Packers, and his animals (many Labrador Retrievers and cats). He was also an avid history buff and would school us all often with his knowledge.

Donald is survived by his loving wife Judith (Calnin) Nelson, 2 daughters Debra Burmah and Melissa Herman (Dean), stepson Charlie Denson (Amber); Grandchildren Mariah, Alyssa and Trevor Burmah, Isabella & Tanner Herman, Step-grandchildren Zoe Denson, Jazmin Crouch, Brandon Herman and Matt Rosas, along with great grandchildren Tyrone, Larissa, Jaycyn, Liam and Lane. He is further survived by his siblings, Jim Nelson (Connie), Gary Nelson, Dennis Nelson (Carla) and Diane Nelson and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his son Michael Nelson, his parents Lester and Margaret Nelson and siblings Richard Nelson and Kathleen Lumila.

A special thank you to the Family Medicine Team at UW Hospital especially Nurse Risa. And Don’s nephew Mikey for all his help through the years. And also, Ladell Reese for bringing food to Don and Judi while they were sick.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, December 23,2022 from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave. A brief prayer service will follow the visitation at 1:00 pm Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

We love you dad and will miss you very much. You are free now….

To view and sign the guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257

Donald Nelson

November 17, 1946 - December 13, 2022

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