Joel John Nelson

January 31, 1935 - January 26, 2016

Joel J. Nelson, age 80 of Menomonie, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at The Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie. Joel was born in Knapp, WI on January 31, 1935 to Arthur and Goldie (Ford) Nelson. He attended Tramway Grade School and Menomonie High School. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Lewis, WA where he was a heavy equipment operator. Joel worked for the Dunn County Highway Department for 32 years until his retirement. Joel was a man of the outdoors. He loved fishing during the summers at Big Sand Lake. He also enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting, trout fishing and bowling. He will be sadly missed by many. Joel is survived by his daughters Lauri (Mike) Rothbauer, Tracey Wold and Tammy (Gordie) Meyer; grandchildren Amanda, Brittany, Trevor Rothbauer and Morgan Wold; his twin brother Jerome Nelson, brothers Sheldon (Barbara) Nelson and Wayne Nelson; nephew Ryan (Janice) Nelson and their children, Nicholas, Hannah, Ryannah and niece Crystal Nelson. He is also survived by nieces Sandi Deshler, Lynn Nybeck, Deb Langren and many cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Hannah Elizabeth Wold. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2016 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie with Pastor Brett Voigt officiating. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Township of Menomonie, Dunn County with military honors by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.