Wesley Nelson, age 95 of Menomonie, formerly of Baldwin, died on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at Comforts of Home in Menomonie. He was born on June 13th, 1916 to Nels and Ella Nelson, in Eureka, Wisconsin. He grew up in Diamond Bluff, Wisconsin, where he attended grade school, and graduated high school from Red Wing, Minnesota in 1934. On September 6th, 1940 “Wes” was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Dorothy “Dort” Shafer in the famous “Little Brown Church in the Vale” in Nashua, Iowa. This marriage was blessed with three children; Trudy, Terry, and Marilyn (“Marnee”).

Wes began his long and prosperous career in the grocery business at an A&P store in Red Wing. It was there where he developed the inspiration to own his own grocery store. After only two weeks of marriage, Wes and Dort went into business for themselves opening Nelson’s Grocery store on Main Street in Baldwin. While running the store, he heard his nation’s call and proudly served in the US Air Corp during World War II. Dort ran the store while he was in the armed services. After he returned from the service, his store expanded several times, until in 1975 he built a new store “south of town.” In 1981, Wes retired and sold the store to his son Terry.

Wes moved to Menomonie in March of 2005, to be closer to his medical services. Until that time, Wes had resided in Baldwin, and was a very active member of the community and served as a civic leader. He was a church Deacon, Elder, and a member of the choir at the First United Presbyterian Church of Baldwin. He was a member of the Hospital Board of Directors, and served as President of the Baldwin-Woodville Area School Board and the Agency School Committee #5. Wes was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, and the Zor Shriner’s Club.

When at home, Wes enjoyed playing cards, reading and watching sports, especially football! He also enjoyed fishing and traveling with his family. Wes thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends.

Wes is survived by: his children; Trudy Nelson of Bloomington, MN, Terry (Barb) Nelson of Amery, WI, and Marnee Nelson of Wauwatosa, WI; grandchildren, NaDena (Bryan) Mathison, and Nicole (Jeff) Knier; great-grandchildren; Tyler and Connor Mathison, and Addisen and Aurora Knier. Wes is preceded in death by his wife Dort; parents Nels and Ella Nelson; and his three brothers, Harvey, Herb, and Russell Nelson.

Funeral Services for Wes will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church in Baldwin, WI on Saturday, August 6th, 2011 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation one hour prior at the church. There will also be a visitation from 4-7 PM on Friday, August 5th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin. Burial with full military honors will be at Baldwin Cemetery with bearers being Scott Husby, Bryan Mathison, Jeff Knier, Jeff Schneider, Rob Durham, and Nicole Knier.