Arnold S Nelson
Arnold S. “Arnie” Nelson passed away on February 27th, 2024, after a short, but hard-fought battle with stage four esophageal cancer. He lived a life dedicated to his family, strong core values, his faith, and a career in agronomy in which he impacted lives and hearts across the country.
On May 11th, 1957, he was born to Glenn and Dorothy (Reinkey) Nelson as their youngest son, baby Arnie. In 1975, he was a graduate of Elmwood High School in Elmwood, WI. He then went on to graduate from UW-River Falls with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Upon graduation, he began his career with Land O’Lakes/WinField United of which he remained loyal to for 44 years.
On September 12th, 1981, he married his high school crush, Lori Bates. Shortly after their marriage, they moved from Green Bay, WI to Baraboo, WI where they built a wonderful life. Together, they raised three children: their eldest, Derek, and their two twin daughters, Tiffany and Tara.
Not only was Arnie known by his children as the world's best dad, but he was also a world traveler. Together, Arnie and Lori traveled the world and reached all 50 States and the seven continents. The final, long-sought destination being Antarctica in January of 2023. Arnie proudly dedicated his career to Land O’Lakes and created many beloved memories with his colleagues and friends. He was instrumental in building the CROPLAN brand to what it is today and passionate about mentoring, leading, and inspiring countless others in agriculture.
Arnie believed in the best of everyone, and their willpower to overcome challenges. His love was genuine, impactful, and far-reaching. The visits and messages of love that have poured in during this difficult time gave him the hope to fight as hard as he could, and that he did. Arnie battled cancer with the same hope, grace, and “contagious calm” we all knew and grew to love him for. We could not be more grateful for the love everyone has shown, and the time we were fortunate to have. A special thanks to Dr. Uboha and all the staff that took care of Arnie at UW Health. Just as Arnie often shared with all of us, he was incredibly proud of the Cancer Team he was blessed to have in the end.
Arnie’s legacy of love, humility, adventure, and passion for agriculture, will live on forever in the hearts of his surviving family: wife, Lori; children Derek Nelson, Tiffany Nelson, Tara (Tyler) Nelson-Henke; elder siblings Greg (Vicki) Nelson, Carrie (Jan) Nelson, and Ann Siegel; sisters-in-law Linda Kitchner, Sue Bates and Mary Bates; aunts and uncles, Pat (Ralph) Ginsbach John (Vera) Nelson; many nieces and nephews; his many beloved coworkers and dear friends over the years, and his beloved dog, Willie Nelson. Arnie is predeceased in death by his parents, Glenn and Dorothy Nelson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Ilene Bates; and brothers-in-law, Dave Siegel and Jim Kitchner. He is also preceded by his not-forgotten shadow, his dog Bella, who we often laughed was undeniably waiting for him too.
It is Arnie’s wish to celebrate his life in the spring. On April 6th, 2024 services will be held in Elmwood, WI at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A visitation will begin at 10:00AM with mass following at 11:00AM. Friends and family are welcome in joining the procession following mass to the burial at St. Henry’s Catholic Cemetery in Eau Galle. A celebration of life will be held afterwards at Lucette Event Pavillion (Lucette Brewery) in Menomonie with food and beverages from 1:30PM-5:00PM. Please join us in celebrating his legacy.
Memorials can be made in Arnie's name to: secure.supportuw.org for UW Carbone Cancer Center Greatest Need selecting Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Fund 112900278 or for an Agricultural Scholarship Fund being established in Arnie's name.
Rhiel Funeral Home Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Elmwood, is serving the family.