Darrel S. Nelson, Sr.

Darrel S. Nelson, Sr., age 83, of Winona, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 18, 2024.

Darrel was born in Southeast Wisconsin to the late Norman and Marian (Brostrum) Nelson. After high school, Darrel joined the US Air Force where he faithfully served our country for four years. He moved back to Wisconsin following his time in the service to attend college at the University of Wisconsin. After graduating, Darrel then worked in a small restaurant in Caledonia, WI, where he met his first wife, Mary Ann Slatten. They married in 1969, and then moved to Warren, MI, where Darrel worked as a chemical engineer at General Motors for 35 years. During his career at GM, Darrel worked primarily in research and development and was credited with nine different patents for his inventions.

Darrel and Mary were blessed with two children, America and Darrel, Jr., before they were divorced in 1978. Darrel then met and married his second wife, Pat, after spending several years raising his children. Darrel and Pat enjoyed line dancing, their beloved dogs (Bojangles, Moses, and Showie), and traveling. After 30 years together, Darrel and Pat divorced, and Darrel moved back to Wisconsin to spend his last few years with his children and grandchildren.

Darrel was a man of many talents and hobbies. Throughout his life, he could often be found tinkering in the garage, fixing anything that needed attention, baking yummy treats in the kitchen, or spending hours on the floor line-dancing. He enjoyed camping, traveling the world, and spending time in his beloved Alaska. He also very much enjoyed serving on several mission trips with his church. But, more than that, he loved spending time with his family. He always had a joke to tell and adored coming up with silly dances for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Marian Nelson; twin brother, David Nelson; and his younger brother, Barry Nelson. He is survived by his sister, Katie (David) Medearis; daughter, America (Gerald) Fushianes; son, Darrel (Liz) Nelson, Jr.; his 8 grandchildren: Kordale, Destiny, Autumn, Jheri, Aden, Olivia, Lydia, and Liam; his 4 great-grandchildren: Bella, Mark, Lincoln, and Vanessa; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Honoring his wishes, a family gathering will be held to remember and celebrate his life.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Darrel’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.