Dennis Lee Nelson

Dennis Lee Nelson, devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on November 4, 1943, in Bloomer, he was the second of three children to Orville and Mildred Nelson. The Nelsons lived for a time, in Merrill, where his father operated the House of Flip soda pop factory, and then moved to a family farm in Lake Holcombe when Dennis was in fifth grade.

A graduate of Lake Holcombe High School Class of 1961, Dennis played football, served as the basketball manager and was active with the Future Farmers of America. He was selected to attend Badger Boys State and was voted “best hair” by his classmates. After high school, Dennis enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Kinloch Air Force Base in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Upon completing his military service, Dennis enrolled on the GI Bill at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. It was during this time that he became engaged to Kathy Keiser. Kathy was the love of his life.  

They married on July 1, 1967, at the Presbyterian Church in Cornell, Wis., celebrating 31 years of marriage before Kathy’s untimely passing in 1998. They cherished simple joys, like picking strawberries in the summer and sharing their harvest with neighbors, embodying a spirit of generosity that defined their relationship.

In 1971, Dennis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Kathy and he moved to Rhinelander, where Dennis began his career as a Oneida County social worker. What was initially meant to be a brief stay in the Northwoods, Rhinelander has been the family home now for over 50 years.  Dennis retired from The Human Service Center in 2008. After retirement, Dennis continued his commitment to the under-resourced by serving on the Housing Authority and Community Mental Health boards.

Dennis was a proud father to two sons, Pastor Jeff Nelson (Bridget) of Royal Oak, Mich., and Doug Nelson (Libby) of Rhinelander. His sons are thankful for countless games of catch, making their pinewood derby cars, teaching them to shave and drive, and sitting next to their mom at every game, concert, play, or activity they ever participated in.  

Dennis loved being a grandfather. His four grandchildren Casey, Carter, Sam, and Abby brought him such joy. He was their biggest cheerleader, loved attending their events, finding them thoughtful gifts, and investing in their futures with college funds. His love and presence left an indelible mark on their lives.

Dennis was active in the First United Methodist Church of Rhinelander, teaching Disciple Bible classes and volunteering at the Personal Essentials Pantry. He had a personal visitation ministry, calling on many seniors and homebound of the congregation. 

His genuine kindness and humor touched the lives of many, and he had a passion for fishing, playing cards, geocaching (over 1,700 finds!), taking requests for The Polka Show at WXPR, and enjoying a good episode of “Judge Judy.” Dennis cheered for the Packers and Brewers, and he was particularly excited about the Brew Crew’s success this season — may they bring home the championship in his honor!

Dennis is survived by his two sons, Jeff (Bridget) and Doug (Libby); his cherished grandchildren; his two sisters, Sharon Lapp (Donn) of Lake Holcombe and Donna Benson (Everett) of Colfax; and several wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Mildred, and his beloved wife, Kathy.

A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the First United Methodist Church of Rhinelander, with visitation at 9 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Personal Essentials Pantry (PEP) through the First United Methodist Church.

Dennis will be deeply missed. His legacy of love, kindness, faith, and community service will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at http://www.hildebrandrussfh.com.