Neil D. Nelson

Neil Duane Nelson, 85, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 30, 2024. He was born on November 30, 1938, in Dell Rapids, SD.

He graduated from Dell Rapids High School and earned a BS in electrical engineering from South Dakota State University.

Neil proudly served in the Navy from January 1962 to January 1964.

His career spanned 29 years at Northern States Power Company, and he ultimately retired in 1998 from Upper Peninsula Power Company. His career took Neil and Mary to Minneapolis, Winona, Sioux Falls, Eau Claire, and Houghton.

Neil was very active and engaged in his community. He served as a Board Member of Michigan Electric & Gas. He was a member of the National Honor Society of Professional Engineers and was a registered professional engineer in Michigan, Minnesota and South Dakota. Neil was a past president of both Kiwanis and Toastmasters. He was also State President of SD ARC.

He belonged to two different bible study groups where he established long lasting friendships with many people. He was inquisitive and always listened to different perspectives, deepening his understanding and passion of his faith and religion.

Neil enjoyed hunting, golfing, and creating stained glass art. He cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Neil will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Mary (Hartung), his children: Michael (Kathy) Nelson, Julia Nelson, Stephanie (Jim) Gerdes, David (Lynn) Nelson. Neil was the proud grandfather of: Erin, Ben, Caitlin, Kelsie, Kevin, and Samuel. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Toby, Wyatt, Leo, Rosie, and Micah. Neil is also survived by three sisters: Diane, Cheryl (Vern), and Valerie (Faye), as well as brother-in-law John, and sisters-in-law Juanita (Dwayne) and Alice. Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Foster and Helen Nelson, an infant brother, in-laws Frank and Mary Hartung, as well as numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Father Francis Thadathil officiating.  Visitation will take place at the church on that day from 10 am until the time of service.  A private burial will take place at a later date in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Dell Rapids South Dakota.

The family wishes to thank Mayo Clinic Healthcare and Hospice for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to a charity of your choosing. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Neil Duane Nelson leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family and faith. May he rest in peace.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with the arrangements.   

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