Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Bruce E. Nelson, Sr.
Bruce E. Nelson, Sr. age 66, of Winneconne passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, after succumbing to Fronto Temporal Dementia in a four and a half year journey of love following repeat bouts of pneumonia at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison.
Born in Milwaukee, growing up in Mequon, Bruce embraced a love for nature and outdoor sporting activities from the time he was a young boy. He saw God's canvas in communing with nature on land and sea and enjoyed the peaceful still pre-dawn moments watching the sun rise as he marveled in each day's awakening and setting of the sun. Bruce enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, downhill skiing, motorcycling, bird watching and dancing.
Bruce was born on June 14, 1943, the son of the late Carl Edwin and Beatrice (Kilbourn) Nelson. He graduated from Nicolet High School and attended Lakeland College where he majored in science, but soon learned he was a natural born salesman. He enjoyed a long career in sales working for West Bend Cookware, Nelson & Nelson Real Estate, Thompson McKenna, Piper Jaffrey, Robert W. Baird and Stifel Nicolaus as Sr. Vice President as an investment broker.
Bruce was husband to Gloria (Vanderborg) and father to sons Bruce Jr. (Nancy) of Sheboygan, Brad of Appleton, Chad of Appleton and Trent (Kristi) Nelson of Wrightstown. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Taylor, Emily, Eli, Benjamin and Sawyer. His loving brothers Brett (Roberta) and Dan (Melissa) along with his many nieces and nephews will also miss his loving spirit and sense of humor which was sharp and witty. Bruce and family are thankful to the gracious love and support of the members of Community Church of Oshkosh.
A "Celebration of Life" service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2009 on the Fin n' Feather Showboat II which is fitting with his love of water as family and friends pay their respects. Greeting of family and friends will commence dockside at 7:00 - 8:30PM with the memorial at 8:30PM. In honor of Bruce and his love for music and dance, Big Dog will perform from 9:00PM - Midnight with DJ and Karaoke as his wife sings his favorite songs and people dance with love and laugher in their hearts in remembrance of him.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Janelle Cooper of LaCrosse, Dr. Kay Theyerl, Harbor House in Oshkosh, Clearview Long Term Care in Juneau, Winnebago County Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh, Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, the University of Wisconsin Brain Bank and to Bruce's social worker who tirelessly advocated for him, Dona McEssey, of Winnebago County Health and Human Services in Oshkosh.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Bruce to the Association for Fronto Temporal Dementia (http://www.aftd.org).
Bruce will be missed and remembered by those he loved well with peace in their hearts as we know the Lord has warmly embraced him and said, "Well done good and faithful servant".
Mueller Funeral Home
904 E. Main Street, P.O. Box 250
Winneconne, WI 54986
(920)582-4242
Please submit online condolences
to www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com
Lynn Kuhns wrote on June 29, 2009
Ah, Dear Bruce, aloha. Such a special spirit, such a trying, yet noble journey. I was honored to meet Bruce's sons at the dockside service, and to express my sympathies to them, and Gloria. He will be missed. Bruce: There were so many good times; you'll now navigate well, skipper! I hope we can learn more about this form of dementia. Peace, above all, let there be peace.
Paul Mesich or known to Bruce as the Spic Outfit wrote on June 26, 2009
I got to know Bruce quite well thru one of his favorite watering holes. The Rendezvous, located in Sheboygan. Bruce and I shared many a drink and a whole lot of laughs, My favorite Bruce story is him telling me about the time he worked on a farm and he would do this perfect imitation of the husband calling his wife from the barn. Her name was Audrey and he would bellow out her name. But the farmer having no teeth would call out loud and clear!! Audrey come out the barn. Now imagine Bruce doing his imitation of the farmer with no teeth calling out Aurey. Yes, with no D in the name. come out the barn once. Every time he would do that it would just crack me up. Until I had tears in my eyes. Such as I do now telling this story. Love ya Bruce. You will be missed!!!!
To the family of Bruce. You have my deepest sympathy.
Mr Paul Mesich
Julie Feil wrote on June 26, 2009
Gloria- I just heard about Bruce today while visiting Mercy and Lakeshore (I'm training staff there now). I wanted to send you my condolences. You were such a tremendous advocate for Bruce and walked with him the entire journey even when it got so very tough. It was a privelege to get to know you both at The Memory Center. My only regret is that I did not know Bruce before his diagnosis, however, this illness never takes away a person's inherit spirit and all the gifts they bring to our lives. I loved his smile. God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time -Julie
Jamie Kimball wrote on June 25, 2009
Gloria, Chad and Trent-
So sorry to hear about Bruce. We always got along well. I can still picture him working on his golf swing in my office. Again, my condolences.
Jamie
Jenni Clark wrote on June 24, 2009
Gloria,
Words can not even begin to express how sorry I am for your loss. Bruce was such a great man, and I must say he loved his "Glo" very much, As I know you loved him dearly to. I have never seen such compassion and patience from anyone as I saw with you for Bruce. Always remember the good times and take comfort in knowing that he is not suffering with his dementia any longer.
Sincerely,
Jenni Clark
Lisa Steinert wrote on June 24, 2009
Gloria - our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lisa & Craig Steinert
gretchyn weisgerber wrote on June 24, 2009
Gloria,
What a battle Bruce fought with his dementia....such an terrible disease.... And what a wonderful job you did taking care of him and finding the right solutions as his dementia progressed. I remember him enjoying the music and dancing when he was at Lakeshore.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
I hope that you are comforted in knowing that he is now at peace and that you did everything you possibly could while he was struggling with his dementia.
Remember the good times and kodak moments.
Sincerely,
Gretchyn
Bonnie LeClair wrote on June 24, 2009
Chad and Trent - my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I enjoyed working with your father at Stifel Nicolaus, and I know you miss him. God's peace and love to you. Bonnie LeClair