John E. Nelson, 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield, WI.
John was a man of boundless curiosity and endless knowledge. He was a trusted counsel to friends, peers, and family, who valued his wit and high moral character. His kindness, generosity, and positive attitude made the world a better place. Many will fondly remember John wishing friends and family to “Make it a great day!"
Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 27th at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Colin Webster officiating. The service will be streamed online at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. A private burial will take place at a later date. Serving as pallbearers will be: Adam Nelson, Scott Sasse, Richard Brine, Mark Nelson, Paul Nelson, Dennis DeVetter, and Theodore Wnek. Jim Arts will be honorary pallbearer.
John was born to Earl and Carol (Burnson) Nelson. He graduated with honors from Marshfield Senior High School in 1965. A popular student, he was class president, on the varsity tennis team, sang in Madrigals and played the cornet in the marching band. John pursued his interest in architecture at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, where he joined Acacia Fraternity. He interrupted his studies to enlist in the Navy during the Vietnam War, graduating first in his submarine class. John proudly served as a Sonar Technician on the USS Henry Clay nuclear ballistic missile submarine. Following an honorable discharge, he returned to the University of Illinois. It was there that he met the love of his life Susan Uffenbeck, and they married on August 18, 1973. Soon after, John transitioned to business administration studies, and graduated with honors.
John and Susan relocated to Marshfield to join John’s father Earl in the family business Nelson-Jameson – a food and beverage processing supply company. John made an immediate impact by designing a new headquarters, which won a national design award. John’s keen business acumen and dedicated work ethic were evident throughout his 45-year career as he navigated various roles within the company, including President and Chairman. His compelling vision, gentle guidance and customer-service focused approach to business were instrumental in the company’s growth and expansion across the United States. He truly cared for his co-workers, often telling his children that Nelson-Jameson employees were family. Throughout his career, John was deeply involved in the food and dairy industries, as well as in his local Marshfield community. He served on many boards and committees: the International Association of Food Industry Suppliers, the Food Industry Suppliers Association, former president of Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital board, Associated Bank board, Marshfield City Plan Commission, the Economic Development Board, and the Industrial Park Authority. He was honored as a lifetime member of the North Central Cheese Industry Association, received a Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association (WCMA) Distinguished Service Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Central Wisconsin Cheese and Butter Association.
John’s greatest joy came from raising his children Amanda, Ann-Marie and Adam. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who prioritized his family’s needs above his own. John was also an attentive listener and trusted advisor, possessing a remarkable breadth of knowledge and serving as a steadfast compass for his wife and children. In later years, John and Susan enjoyed theater and traveling with their best friends Dennis and Roberta DeVetter.
John is survived by his loving wife Susan and their children: Amanda (Scott) Sasse of Winnetka, IL; Ann-Marie (Richard) Brine of Kendal, UK; and Adam (Betsy) Nelson of Mosinee. John’s five grandchildren are: Elin Sasse; Arthur and Alice Brine; and Finn and Henley Nelson. He is also survived by siblings Helene (Jim Arts) Nelson of Madison; Mark (Bridget O’Brien) Nelson of Marshfield; and Paul Nelson of Arlington, TX. Other survivors include a special cousin Margaret Wnek; brother- and sister-in-law Stuart and Mary Guenther of Minocqua, WI; brother- and sister-in-law Ron and Elaine Rather of Clinton, WI; and many adored nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his AFS sisters, Loni (Fernando) Cabral of Brazil; and Chieko (Shinzo) Inouye of Japan. He was predeceased by his parents Earl and Carol Nelson, in-laws Seymour and Marie Wintrone, and brother-in-law Rev. William Uffenbeck.
The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to Compassus at Home, the nurses at Marshfield Medical Center and the wonderful staff at the House of the Dove.
Memorials in John’s name may be directed to the Nelson-Jameson Foundation – a charitable 501(c)(3) organization supporting causes that were close to his heart: Nelson-Jameson Foundation, ℅ Ron Aumann, 3200 S. Central Ave., P.O. Box 647, Marshfield, WI 54449.
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com
