Reynold L. Nelsen

Reynold Lee Nelsen, born August 19th, 1959 at St. Croix Hospital. Reynold passed away Friday the 13th of October 2023 at MCHS Hospital in Marshfield, Wi. He died after a long struggle with Parkinson’s and then a broken back during the last 6 months. This led to a multitude of complications including paralysis from the waist down. He was preceded in death by his Brother Fred Nelsen and his Parents, Rose and Nick Nelsen.  He is survived by his 2 sisters Daisy (Brian) Nelson and Joyce (Mike) Ellenbecker. He is also survived by Nephews Tim, Ben, Jon, Dan and Elijah. Nieces Brenda, Carla, Theresa, Sara, Laura, Stephanie, Katelyn, Sierra, and Cheyenne  as well as countless Great nieces and nephews.

Reynold lived a very mobile and colorful life.  As a child he enjoyed pranking his little Sister Daisy, getting into mischief with his older siblings Joyce and Fred.  They used to leave him behind at age 3 by jumping out of 2nd story house window on the farm in Luck, Wi. Laughing at poor little Reynold.  Reynold got the last laugh, Running so fast through the hills that no man could catch him.  As an adult he assisted during deer gun season by chasing deer through snow until the deer was done and one of the hunters with a gun caught up.  In his teens, Reynold began helping an electrician, Percy Hallock, wire old farm houses. This led to an early Nick Name of Short Circuit. Reynold kept this job skill active most of his life, rewiring countless houses of friends and family.  He often worked for nothing when people asked or when he decided they needed help.  He was always wiring or building things like sheds, porches, additions, bathrooms, kitchens, pretty much anything.

Reynold worked as a Cab Driver and Pizza delivery guy several times in his life.  He drove his cars fast and hard.  He often Scrapped iron, copper and brass which he learned from his Grandfather Ben. His longest Regular Job was with his Brother Fred, whitewashing dairy barns all over Wisconsin. Mid-State Whitewashing until Fred’s untimely death in 2007.  Fred was his only brother and best friend.  His death left Reynold reeling and he was never the same after. 

Reynold loved going everywhere.  He would go to Tractor shows with his brother in law Mike and Nephew Tim. He would collect aluminum cans to pay for the weekend.  He went on thousands of Casino Runs with a couple old lady friends, Elsie or Betty, and his relatives. Reynold gave driver’s training to most anyone that needed it.  Nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.  He was constantly doing odd jobs paying for trips to the Dells with Nieces and Nephews. Taking them roller skating, to parks, fairs, carnivals, fishing, tractor shows, Grandma’s house in Lacrosse, over the river and through the woods, literally all over God’s creation.  He loved playing cards, especially during Deer Hunting & Thanksgiving at the Ellenbecker’s.

Reynold struggled with mental health since he was a teenager.  As a result he spent some time in various mental institutions.  He escaped from several of them!  On one occasion, he crawled into the ceiling and then laughed at all the people scurrying around looking for him.  Then he got bored and crawled back into bed to act like he was there the whole time.  On another occasion he dismantled the escape proof window of his room and went on a few joy rides.  He managed to escape from a straight jacket and made so much noise in his Jail cell, the court was unable to hold his arraignment.  In one lock up, He wanted out so he lit his mattress on fire, in the shower, just in case no one came he could put out the fire. He especially enjoyed returning items to various retailers that he would buy for nothing at yard sales and auctions.  He would convince himself he had purchased them at full retail and the stores would believe him. 

Reynold was ever the giver.  He would buy or make food all the time for people he thought needed some.  He would buy random gifts for people whenever he saw something he thought they’d like regardless if it was their birthday.  He made the best deviled eggs and would bring them to nearly every family and public function to feed the masses.

He planned elaborate schemes to get back at people or businesses that did him wrong.  One particular time he was fired from a pizza delivery job and held a bit of a grudge.  He waited a whole year and then on a major football game day ordered 15 custom pizzas for every bar in the delivery radius that had a 30min guarantee or it’s free.  He knew they’d mess up all the orders on such a large scale. That weekend back in the 90’s every bar in the Marshfield area got 15 free pizzas.  Reynold made a point to stop and check on his handy work and get a slice from each establishment that magically showed up!

Reynold will be deeply missed.  He was always a hoot.  His nickname later in life was Rock’n Roll coined by his brother in Law Mike.  He lived up to his nickname. His radio was always blaring, he was constantly living life at its peak.  He took any and everyone along for the ride. 

Rest in Peace Uncle Reynold.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm, on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the New Auburn Cemetery, 23532 County Hwy Q, New Auburn, WI. Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com