Byron L. Nelson, age 81, of De Pere, was born to eternal life on Sunday, January 29, 2017 with his family by his side. The son of the late Carl and Antoinette (Courteau) Nelson was born June 21, 1935 in Little Falls, Minnesota. Byron married Ruth Bloemer on May 13, 1961 at St. Mary Catholic Church in De Pere, and they spent over 55 years dancing together. He bravely served his county in the U.S. Marine Corps. Byron worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in the Green Bay area for 35 years, and also worked as a school bus driver. In his spare time, Byron enjoyed bowling, playing cards, was an expert cribbage player, loved fishing, was an avid dancer, and worked the clock for De Pere Volleyball for many years. He and Ruth were members of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in De Pere.
Survivors include his wife Ruth; children: Jeff (Tania), Kelly (Phillip) and Marijo (Jason); grandchildren Marco, Carmen and Alex; siblings: Gary (Nancy), Charles (Phyllis), Carol (Frank) Kluck, Jack, Bob, Jim (Janet), Jean (John) McArthur and Ron; Ruth’s family: Janice Bloemer, Trudy Bloemer, Charlotte Bloemer, Terri (Jay) VanderLoop and Ray Schleis; as well as nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Neil and Violet Bloemer; brothers-in-law: Bob, Dick and Tom Bloemer; sisters: Shirley and Joan, a sister-in-law Mary Schleis and a granddaughter Rachel.
Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave, De Pere, on Thursday, February 2, from 4:00-8:00pm with a prayer service and sharing of memories taking place at 6:00pm. Visitation will continue on Friday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan St, De Pere, from 9:30am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Friday with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Full military honors will follow the mass at church. Burial at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, De Pere.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Send all memorials to Cotter Funeral Home to ensure all donations are acknowledged in Byron's name.

Our family would like to extend our gratitude to his caregivers: Sharon, Bonnie, Haley and Leah, as well as Steve Donovan, Pastoral Minister, for their compassionate care.