Judith Mae “Judy” Nelson
Judith Mae “Judy” Nelson, 70, started working at Heaven’s welcome center at 5:00 a.m. Monday, January 17, 2022. Judy’s self-diagnosis of congestive heart failure had recently been confirmed. She was born in Oconto Falls on February 1, 1951, to the late Alfred “Swede” and Jeannette (Backhaus) Nelson.
Judy grew up in the Gillett area and graduated from Gillett High School in 1969. She attended Bellin School of Nursing and graduated with an RN degree. Judy worked for years at Brown County Mental Health Center, and for a short time, at Bellin Hospital, Americana Nursing Home, and as a case manager for Brown County Health Care. She served as president of the Brown County Nurses 1901E AFSCME Union. Spending 35 years in the health care industry, Judy retired as a RN personal care worker supervisor for Brown County Human Services. Judy was an angel on earth and was a caregiver all of her life. In addition to taking care of so many others, she took care of her brother Mike in her home for 17 years. Judy had many friends, and she thoroughly enjoyed her trips to Door County and Peninsula State Park. Judy was an active member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, and in addition to her involvement in LWML, she volunteered at the welcome center at the church. One of Judy’s greatest pleasures was hosting her nieces and nephews for sleepovers and fun activities. To many she was known as “Fun Aunt Judy”. The Cretton kids and their families held a special place in Judy’s heart.
Judy is survived by her siblings, Sandy Wilson, Bill Nelson, Pat (Rhonda) Nelson, and Deb Nelson, all of Gillett, Barbara (Soren) Sorlie of Cecil, and Marsha (Jim) Mahan of Appleton. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Keith (Lisa) Sorlie, Kris (Ben) Piaskowski, Amy (Mike) Umentum, Bill (Angela) Nelson, Cara (Jeff) Sporisky, Dawn (Mark Demerath) Nelson, Katelyn (Andrew) Blaufuss, Gina Nelson, Sabrina Nelson, Chad (Stefanie) Nelson; “honorary niece”, Amy Mueller, and 15 great nieces and nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Mike Nelson; a brother-in-law, Sidney Wilson; a sister-in-law, Barb Nelson; and a very dear friend, Jo Cretton.
Friends may call at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 1731 Saint Agnes Drive, on Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. Scott Malme officiating. It was Judy’s request that everyone attending dresses casually. To view the Livestream, please visit www.pilgrimluth.org. Online condolences may be given at www.prokowall.com. Memorials made in Judy’s memory may be directed toward Pilgrim Lutheran School and Time of Grace Ministries.
Heartfelt thanks to Judy’s neighbors Jim and Laura McClellan, Randy and Deena Bellin, and her Pilgrim Church family. Judy’s family would also like to thank Unity Hospice for their care and compassion.
Judy will be greatly missed.