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Obituary for Keith D. Nelson


Keith D. Nelson, 92, of Onalaska passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at his home. He was born January 3, 1930, in La Crosse to Everette and Josephine (Williams) Nelson. Keith was a veteran of the United States Army. On June 22, 1951, he married Helen Inglett and she preceded him in death on November 21, 2020. Keith worked at the La Crosse Cooler Company for many years. Dad was a humble man of few words. He could find contentment just about anywhere and in the simplest ways — from the hobby farm, to the lake house, to town. He loved being outdoors, and in later years was all about the birds — feeding and watching them for what seemed like hours. Rarely did he miss a family event, but home was his favorite place, and that was wherever the love of his life was. He was an avid Packer and Brewer fan, a savvy card player, a collector of antique banks and was invested in many life-long friendships. He was respected and respectful, even with all the good-natured teasing he was kind of known for. He was as frugal as you might find, and also generous. This kind and gentle spirit was ruffled by very little, except an intentional unkind word or act of one against another. He never claimed to be perfect; but like our mom, that never stopped him from trying his hardest to be his personal best. This is the example we were left to follow as best we can. This is a big part of how he will be remembered. He is survived by one daughter, Karin Cram and her husband, Scott McDougall; one son, Gary Nelson; two grandchildren, Stacy (Justin) Proulx, and Cristyn Cram; two great grandchildren, Christian and Emma Proulx; one brother, Jack (Margaret) Nelson; one sister-in-law, Sharon Inglett, and nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Keith was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Nadine (LaVerne) Privet; one sister-in-law, Lorraine (Klaus) Artschwager; and one brother-in-law, Robert Inglett. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse. Pastor Debbie King-Quale will officiate. Entombment will be in the mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery, La Crosse. A visitation will be held from 11:30 AM until the time of service. The family requires that all attending wear a mask. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.