Judith Nelson

Judith Nelson

October 02, 1941 - June 08, 2019

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Obituary

Judith A. Nelson of rural Platteville, Wisconsin, died in the early morning hours Saturday, June 8, 2019. She was born on October 2, 1941 to Darwin and Anne Hamre in Poynette, WI. She graduated from Rio, Wisconsin high school in 1959. On August 26, 1961, she married Robert Nelson. Together they raised three children but touched the lives of countless others, including thirty-three foster sons who were fortunate to live at the Nelson Group Home. Judy was considered a second mom to many, growing amazing gardens, making canned goods and jams. After the group home days, Judy and Bob made their home in a cabin in the woods. Judy also worked as a youth care worker for twenty-one years at Hillcrest Family Services in Dubuque, Iowa. Judy will always be remembered for her grit, compassion and unconditional acceptance of others. Her adventurous spirit inspired many road trips to interesting locations.

She is survived by her husband Bob of nearly fifty-eight years, three children, Rob of Platteville, Kent (Tammy) of Dubuque, Iowa, Michele (Matt) of Dummerston, Vermont; two grandsons, Colby of Yellow Springs, Ohio and Ben of Dummerston, Vermont; two sisters Sandi (Dannelle) Petzke of Wisconsin Dells, WI and Jackie (Jeff) Koepp of Madison, WI.; three special friends, Colt Wall, Bob Willey and Richard (Rico) Burch. She is preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy and David Hamre and her parents.

A celebration of Judy's life will be held on Saturday, July 13th at Kent and Tammy's campsite in The Bottom. People are welcome to pay their respects from 3-5pm. A private gathering of remembrance with Judy's self-designed menu will follow at 5:30pm for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be in Judy's name to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.

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Judith
JK
Jenna Kotch
Other •
I’ll always remember Judy sitting on a rocking chair in the center of Michele & Matt’s home in Dummerston, VT. She had a huge smile on her face whilst holding a small cup of tea in the center of her left hand. Judy always had a way of making folks smile without saying a word. Many of us miss her smile, but fortunately the universe reminds us that her light still remains in the smiles of others. – Jenna
CM
Charlie Mahoney
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Peace to Judy and all who Loved her. On to her next adventure God speed
CB
Carol and Jim Beals
Other •
Bob and family: We are sorry to hear of Judy's passing. Your loss is great. May love and peace surround all of you. Jim and Carol
LA
LANE ADRIAN
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Mr. Nelson and family, sorry for your loss, my prayers and thought are with you and the family.
RE
RANDY EDGE
Other •
Many prayers for the family at this time of loss. I have fond memories of some special times spent with Bob & Judy and their kids. I was lucky enough to have Bob as a teacher and met Judy because of that connection. I feel very blessed to have known her. She will be greatly missed.
BJ
BOBBY JONES
Other •
Dear Bob & Family, One of my greatest of life's experiences was the time spent with Bob & Judy while living at 580 Boldt St. during my freshman year of High School(1968). I was their first foster child. Memories of the "cave", the shanty, the swaying bridge, trapping muskrats, hunting, rafting down the Platte and getting the raft snagged on barbed wire. Your home was a sanctuary for all! I picture you Judy sitting in your chair knitting various things. A bowl of potato chips kept in the freezer. Rubber Soul playing on the stereo. Thank You Judy for touching my life. Love-Bobby Jones

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