L. Eugene “Gene” Nelson, age 91 of Baldwin, passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Gene was born on September 8,1926, the son of Ludwic and Elma (Dahl) Nelson. He attended Palmer grade school, and graduated from Baldwin High School before attending Luther College of Decorah, IA.  On October 4, 1952, he was united in marriage to Nancy Erlandson at Rush River Lutheran Church in Baldwin. Their union was soon blessed with four children: Mark, Robin, Tarsia, and Tim. Gene was incredibly devoted to his Christian faith and was a life-long member of the Rush River Lutheran Church.

Gene’s love for his wife, children and grandchildren was boundless and unconditional. He appreciated all of the moments and memories spent with his family and friends. Gene had an unparalleled talent for woodworking and carpentry; he accepted countless labor-intensive and challenging projects, and he thoroughly enjoyed building everything from intricate decorative boxes to every detail and skill in the many houses he built. Gene and Nancy ventured into their own carpentry business and furniture service; together they delivered finished, beautiful furniture and collaborated on house construction for all of the St. Croix county area. Even after retirement, Gene took great pride in working at Habitat For Humanity. His many hours and labor resulted in 17 newly constructed homes. Gene also had a deep appreciation of good music, and over the years, sang in several choirs. 

Gene will remain in the hearts of his wife of 65 years, Nancy; children, Mark (Marlene) Nelson, Robin (Kevin) Hays, Tarsia (Jack) Harra, Tim (Angela) Nelson; grandchildren, Julie (Nick) Barry, Jamie Nelson, Sasha (Andy) Gardner, Cameron Hays, Logan Harra, Kjorte Harra, Vannessa (Shawn) Scoggins, and Caitlyn (Chris) Blankenship; great-grandchildren, Henry Gardner, Madison and Callie Scoggins; siblings-in-law, Inez (Gene) Laramy, Dale (Karen) Erlandson, Gordon (Corrine) Erlandson, Loren (Nan) Olson, and Diane Erlandson; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Ina (Sam) Hanson, Earl (Dorthea) Nelson, and Eva (Curtis) Patrick; siblings-in-law, Wayne (Adele) Erlandson, Donald (Lucille) Erlandson, Marlin Erlandson, Eugene Erlandson, Audrey Elias, and Ruth (Helmer) Jorgenson.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 5 at Rush River Lutheran Church of Baldwin, followed by a Memorial Service for Gene at 2:00 PM. Interment will be at the Rush River Church Cemetery. Cremation services and arrangements have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, WI.