Terry Lee Nelson of East Troy was born into eternal life on March 21, 2013 at the age of 65.
Terry was born in Clintonville, the son of Kathryn and the late Marvin “Mike” Nelson. He graduated from Clintonville High School in 1966 and graduated from Whitewater State University in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in education, and earned a master’s degree in education in 1973 from UW-Whitewater.
Terry is survived by his loving wife Darilyn Nelson (nee Fonstad) whom he married on Aug. 15, 1970 in Milwaukee. He is the loving father of Sarah (Dr. Michael) Hotchkiss of Janesville, and Inger (Christopher) LeClair of Luck, Wis. Proud grandpa of Sydney and Owen Hotchkiss, and Dane LeClair. He is further survived by his mother, Kathryn Nelson of Clintonville, in-laws, Daryl (Orian) Fonstad of Wauwatosa, other relatives and many friends.
Terry was preceded in death by his father, Mike Nelson, brothers, Randall and Michael Nelson, stepfather, Arlie Graper and stepsister, Rhonda Wissmann.
Terry was a fifth grade teacher for Mukwonago Area Schools for 33 years, a member of Norway Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wind Lake, and an avid sports fan.
The last seven years he devoted his life to refining the art of being a grandpa. Terry will be remembered for his sense of humor, practical jokes and doing things a little “different.”
Terry was often seen in his woods with a chainsaw, favorite beverage and duct-taped moccasins. His favorite getaway for over four decades was the family cottage in Waupaca where he held annual Frisbee events, Jarts competitions and grilled his signature beer can chicken.
A Memorial Service was held March 25, 2013 at Norway Evangelical Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church, Walworth County Special Olympics Agency 7-08, or the Mukwonago Catastrophic Medical Fund.
Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services, Mukwonago, assisted the family. For online guestbook, visit www.schmidtandbartelt.com.
