Marlowe E Nelson

Marlowe E. Nelson, age 86 of Viroqua and formerly of Westby, passed away on Oct. 4, 2014. He was born on January 22, 1928 in Racine County, Wisconsin to Ralph and Hilda (Lorenzen) Nelson. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked as county extension agent in Ozaukee and Kenosha Counties until he entered the U.S. Army. After serving in the Korean Conflict, he earned his masters degree from Michigan State University. On June 25, 1955 he married Phyllis Peterson, who preceded him in death on February 5, 1976. On November 24, 1977, he married Barbara (Held) Wheeler. Marlowe was the sire procurement manager at Tri-State Breeders (now Accelerated Genetics) for many years. After leaving Tri-State, he founded International Protein Sires with his partner Al Piper. He was an active member of: LaBelle Lodge #84 F&AM, Viroqua Chapter of the OES, Scottish Rite, and Vernon Shrine Club, and he held state-level position in Eastern Star. He was also a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby, serving as congregational president, Sugar Creek Bible Camp, Vernon County Fair Assoc., Vernon County Holstein Assn., past president of the Wisconsin State Holstein Assn., Westby Area Historical Society, Vernon County Historical Society, American Legion and VFW, "Just For Fun" Quartet and the Viroqua Area Mens Chorus. While stationed in Japan, he struck up a conversation about cattle with dairy farmers near his camp. This led to lifelong friendships and development of a program that brought over 100 young Japanese dairymen to work as trainees with Wisconsin breeders. On May 24, 2000, Marlowe was decorated in Tokyo with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese Government for his contribution to improved genetics and dairy management in the Japanese dairy industry. In addition to his wife, Barbara, he is survived by children: Amy (Stephen) Burnett of Lincoln, NE, Guy (Gwen Haw) Nelson of Seattle, WA, Anne Nelson of Walla Walla, WA, and Eric (Julie) Nelson of Eau Claire; step-daughter, Linda (Roger) Gunderson of Onalaska; grandchildren: Katy Burnett, Daniel Burnett, Peter Burnett, Mari Hill, Reed McKenzie, Stephanie (John) Betz, Evan (Kate) Nelson, Sherry (Paul) Wertanen and Shannon (Mike) Dentice; great-grandchildren: Emma Nelson, Julie, Jake and Jayda Wertanen; one brother, Allyn (Gladys) Nelson; other relatives and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Phyllis; two brothers: Gordon and Warren: sister-in-law, Harriet Nelson and his mother-in-law, Mabel Peterson. A public Masonic Service and Eastern Star Service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20 followed by visitation until 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor John Dumke will officiate. Family will also greet friends at the church following the funeral. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be offered at http://www.vossfh.com/ The Vosseteig Funeral Homes are assisting the family.