Howard Philip Nelson, 71, of Whitewater, died Dec. 1, 2016, at his home. He was born in Fort Atkinson, Oct. 31, 1945, to the late Wendell and Dorothy (Lidbury) Nelson.
He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1964. He was a member of the Lauderdale-LaGrange Fire Department for over 50 years. He also served his country in the Army National Guard for six years.
He married Chris Galetka on Aug. 17, 1985.
He owned and operated the Nelson Bus Company in Whitewater. Always willing to help and able to fix just about anything, Howard enjoyed working with his hands and took pride in creating, building, and repairing. He shared his wealth of knowledge while patiently ignoring the messes his kids made in his pristine shop spaces.
Traveling and time with family and friends was a year-round priority. From leading snowmobile trips in the winter to Ranchero rides in the summer, these experiences are priceless. He is loved and will be missed.
Survivors include his wife, Chris, Whitewater; children, Tim (Mary Kay), Deana (Douglas) Grall and Courtney (Jonathan Solari), all of Whitewater; grandchildren, Kiara and Stephanie Nelson and Elijah Grall; brother, Robert (Cindy), Whitewater and sisters, Donna (Scott) Herman, Whitewater, and Linda (Steve) Steinhoff, Palmyra.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First English Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St., Whitewater. with the Rev. Steven Hanson officiating. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Nitardy Funeral Home Chapel, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater and after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church until the time of the services.
Memorials to the Lauderdale/LaGrange Fire Department, to the First English Lutheran Church, or to Agrace Hospice of Janesville, are suggested.
