Barbara Lynn Nelson (Williamson), 73, of Gillett, entered her eternal home on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, surrounded by her family at home, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Barb was born in Shawano on March 20, 1948, to the late Samuel and Lucille Williamson.
She grew up in the Cecil/Bonduel/Zachow areas and was even named Little Miss Cecil. Barb graduated from Bonduel High School with the class of 1966.
Barb met William Nelson at Mitchell’s bar and they wed on Aug. 29, 1970. Their marriage was blessed with four children and nine grandchildren. Barb worked at Hicks’ Abstract office and Morning Glory Dairy. Barb and Bill then bought Bill’s uncle’s farm and Barb would take on the role of farming, working a full-time job at Equity Livestock, and raising four kids. Faith and Family were the most important things in Barb’s life. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Hintz and was an active member of the LWML, serving as Treasurer and Convention Delegate, and also sang in the church choir.
Barb loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. She traveled to several states to see them compete. She enjoyed playing 31, cribbage, and sheepshead. Barb loved golfing and bowling in her younger years. Traveling with her family was the highlight of Barb’s retirement. She especially loved being able to see the ocean with Bill as they drove out to California. Barb was blessed with the gift of gab. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, sometimes realizing 15 minutes into a conversation that they didn’t even speak English! The Packers, Brewers, Bucks and Badgers were Barb’s favorite teams to cheer for. She had a few choice words for Aaron Rodgers, but loved the rest of the Pack.
Barb is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Bill; their four children, Amy (Mike) Umentum of Gillett, Bill Jr. (Angela) Nelson of Kimberly, Cara (Jeff) Sporisky of Bonduel, and Dawn (Mark Demerath) Nelson of Menasha. She was the World’s Best Grandma to Mitchell and Emily Umentum, Hunter, Matthew and Jayda Nelson, Halea Jo and Tatum Sporisky and Trinity Nelson and Dawson Demerath.
Barb is further survived by her siblings: Sharon (Ron) Desten, Joe Williamson, Mark (Pam) Williamson, Lori (Bret) Jossie. In-laws: Sandy Wilson, Barb (Soren) Sorlie, Judy Nelson, Pat (Rhonda) Nelson, Marsha (James) Mahan, and Deb Nelson, several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister (Lynne Fullerton); Bill’s parents, Alfred (Swede) and Jeannette Nelson; brother-in-laws: Mike Nelson, Ed Fullerton, and Sidney Wilson.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Christ Lutheran Church in Hintz from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Michael Paholke officiating. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
Barb’s family would like to thank St. Elizabeth Oncology Department and Moments Hospice.
Barbara L. Nelson
