Robert P. Nelson

Robert P. Nelson, 57 of Arlington, WI passed away peacefully at home Saturday, October 7 with his loving family and beloved cats by his side. He was born December 3, 1965 in Madison, WI the son of Peter Nelson and Bonnie Bortz. He graduated from DeForest High School and had a long and illustrious career in construction specializing in custom cement work. He was known for his gentle spirit, expert grilling skills, unforgettable laugh and great sense of humor. He was an avid sports fan loving all things Wisconsin, especially the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. He had a green thumb and grew 30-foot-high sunflowers, raised chickens, and could build just about anything. Bob was our “go-to” for fix it advice, someone we could count on to bring laughter into a room. He had a soft spot for orphaned animals and rescued several throughout the years, such as kittens, a fox and a baby raccoon. He taught us all to live life with no regrets. 

For 36 years he was united in love to Mary Ne Collins. Together they raised a son Justin Robert Nelson.  “JR” was Bob’s pride and joy; he was extremely proud to be his father. Bob is survived by his mother Bonnie Nelson of Morrisonville, his brother Rick (Melody) Nelson of DeForest, sister Melissa Nelson of Morrisonville, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his father Peter Nelson and brother Steven Nelson.

Bob loved to fish, go camping, hike Devils Lake and was a whiz at trivia. If he needed your attention, he could whistle louder than a freight train. He enjoyed rides to Amish country where he lovingly drove Mary (aka Honey) to shop for treasures. Summers were spent planting and tending a large vegetable garden, feeding the birds, adventures to the Great Lakes and canning the harvest in fall. Above all Bob was kindhearted and loved his family intensely. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A special thanks to Bob’s lifelong friend Todd Yaroch. Your weekly visits throughout the years lifted our spirits and meant the world to Bob. Thank you to the many family members who stepped in to take Bob to appointments and visited with him. The family would also like to thank St Croix Hospice and UW Carbone Cancer Center for the excellent care and our neighbors for their support.

A celebration of life will be held at the Arlington Community Center Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 11am – 3pm. A light lunch will be served at Noon. To honor Bob, wear your favorite team jersey. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mary Ne Collins to assist the family with expenses.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert P. Nelson, please visit our floral store.