Robert A. Nelson, age 73, of Fennimore passed away on Saturday morning February 29, 2020 at his residence in Mt. Ida Township Grant County, Wisconsin. He was born on October 28, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri the son of Harold and Naomi (Bollard) Nelson. Robert was united in marriage to Beverly Miller and then married Colleen Broadfield on February 21, 1992 in Lancaster.
Robert graduated from high school in Geneva, Illinois and always assisted with the local park police. Spending his summers here in Mt. Ida Township on the family farm and enjoying the area, at the age of 19, he began working with local law enforcement in 1966. In 1969, Bob rejoined the county department. Robert wore many hats, from deputy emergency management director, to county communications and warning officer, to 9-1-1 coordinator to jail administrator. He also served on the Mt. Ida Town Board for 16 years. Robert decided to retire after 36 years of serving his county and area communities.
Robert loved to travel throughout the United States in his motorhome and taking numerous bus trips. He enjoyed collecting trains and John Deere tractors. He had a good heart and was willing to help others and always enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife Colleen of Fennimore, daughter Tammy (Steven) Bennett of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, two step children; Spencer (Darcy) Stagman of Verona, Trisha (Tim) Klaas of Fennimore, two grandchildren; Danielle (Josh) Webber and Heather Bennett, four step grandchildren; Chelsy (Tylor) Cornell, Tyler and Logan Klaas, and Riley Stagman along with many special brother and sister-in-laws.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Wayne and Anita Broadfield.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday March 3, 2020 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore with burial to follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Mt. Ida Township Grant County, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home on Tuesday morning.