Ronald P. Nelson, 81, of Bloomer, WI, passed away December 15, 2023, at his home with his wife at his side.

Ron was born December 16, 1941, in Eau Claire, WI to Raymond and Marjorie (Olson) Nelson. Ron attended school in Eau Claire, WI, graduating from Eau Claire Memorial High School in 1959. He attended UW Eau Claire and CVTC graduating with an associate’s degree in business administration and accounting. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserves, having served from 1966-1972. He served with the 397th Engineer Battalion in Eau Claire, WI.

On October 1, 1966, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Tomasovich in Ladysmith, WI.

Ron spent 42 years as a Kitchen and Bath designer for Montgomery Wards, Wickes Lumber, Greens Supply, Twin River Specialties, retiring from UBC in Eau Claire in 2006. After retirement, Ron and Mary Ann moved to Bloomer, WI. Ron spent his time working on his sons' hobby farm alongside his granddaughters. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and an occasional trip to the casino. For the past 5 years he mowed grass at Bloomer Memorial Golf Course. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's activities in Elk Mound and Bloomer. He felt his life was very blessed, fulfilled and well-traveled.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Marge Nelson, sister Bonnie Olson and brother-in-law Robert Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of 57 years; son, Brett (Sara) of Bloomer, WI; daughter, Amy (Jesse) Zurbuchen of Elk Mound, WI; 6 grandchildren, Stella, Lilly, and Illa Nelson, Alexandria (Maddy Dokkestul), Noah and Kourtney Zurbuchen; 1 great-grandson, Morgan Dokkestul; brothers, Merle (Pat) Nelson and Dennis Nelson; sister, Cheri (Jerry) Rossow all of Eau Claire, WI.

A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, December 30, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Bloomer. A short service will begin at 12 p.m. at the funeral home along with Military Honors rendered by the Bloomer American Legion, VFW, & AMVETS. A Celebration of Ron’s life with lunch & fellowship will immediately follow at the White Pine in Bloomer.

Interment will be held at a later date.

Thompson Funeral Home and Chippewa Valley Cremation Services in Bloomer is assisting the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.thompsonfuneralhome.com.