Wallace (Wally) L. Nelson, age 97, Siren, WI, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024.

Wally was born September 19, 1926 to parents Martin and Hazel (Jensen) Nelson and lived in Grantsburg until he was 9 years old when his family moved to Siren.

Wally enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He served on LCT1241 and participated in the invasions at Iwo Jima and Okinawa during WWII. After WWII, he returned to Siren to marry his high school sweetheart, Rose, in 1946. Wally was co-owner of Nelson’s Garage before serving as Siren’s Postmaster for nine years, then joining the US Postal Inspection Service. He then started a small electrical business with his son, Michael. Wally was grateful to see the world in the military and the United States as a civilian employee.

Rose and Wally recently celebrated 77 years of marriage. They enjoyed travelling together and spending time with family and friends. Wally was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and watching the wildlife. Wally was active in the community through the American Legion and the Siren Methodist Church, holding leadership offices in both.

Wally is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Hazel (Jensen) Nelson; sister Louise (Nelson) Miller; and son Michael Nelson.

Wally is survived by his wife Rose (Lund) Nelson, son Mark Nelson and his wife Lesley, grandchildren Emily (Chad) Sebo, Jessica (Adam) Poskozim, Nick (Amy) Nelson, and Syren (Joseph) Elsner, great-grandchildren Alyssa, Tyler, Elyanna, Adelaide, Lillian, Jordy, Brooks, and Samuel; sister Joan (Richard) Van Pelt, and Donis (James) Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.

His strength, sharp wit and sense of humor will be missed by everyone he knew.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM (visitation 10-11 AM) at Siren United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Lakeview/Mudhen Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans https://www.nationalww2museum.org/give/ways-give or a Veterans organization of your choice.

Last Update: Feb 05, 2024 6:52 pm CST