Marcus "Marc" Nelson

Marcus “Marc” Nelson

I was born on October 8, 1939, to Bennie and Ellen (Grunhovd) Nelson in Scarville, IA. I was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scarville.

I met my wonderful wife, Sharon (Thorkelson) and was married to her for 62 fantastic years. Together we had two beautiful children. Kristen (Charlie) Trader and Daniel (Lori Anderson) Nelson. Dan and Lori are the proud parents of two of our delightful grandchildren, Payton and Karli. I have one brother, Bernold (Leona) Nelson, and many other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

I graduated from Scarville High School in 1957, Waldorf College in Forest City, then U of M Mankato State University, receiving a bachelor's degree in education and history. I completed my education with a master’s degree in physical education from U.W. La Crosse.

I began my educational career teaching history at Westby High School in Wisconsin in 1961. I continued teaching physical education in Westby for 36 years.

While teaching in Westby, I was a head coach in track and boys’ basketball and started the boys’ golf program. I was also the athletic director for 30 Wonderful Norsemen years.

I was selected as Wisconsin’s Athletic Director of the year in 1992, by the Wisconsin Athletic Director’s Association. I served eight years as District 3 representative for the association. I was also a member of the W.I.A.A. Sports Advisory Council during this time.

I served as an usher and member of the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church and at one time secretary and vice president of the church.

I was an active member of Ducks Unlimited, being chairman of Vernon County Ducks Unlimited for two years.

I was involved with starting the Norsemen Booster Club that still flourishes today. I would appreciate any memorials to the booster club in my name.

My passion for duck hunting started with my friend Fred. We and other friends made many trips to the Mississippi River and North Dakota for duck hunting. I also enjoyed many fishing trips to Hayward and Canada with family and friends. Three of us, Fred, Bill and myself, formed a bond known as “hopeless, worthless and useless,” and could not figure out which one was which.

Sharon and I traveled extensively to many exciting destinations. We visited Norway, England, and many European countries down to Italy. We had an enjoyable time on the Nile River and all of Egypt. We took several trips to Central America. Made trips to the Canadian Rockies, Alaska and many states in America.

I was a life member of the Snowflake Ski and Golf Club. I was the chief scorer for all 90-meter tournaments until computers took over.

I have enjoyed many fantastic years knowing all of you and we will meet again, later on.

~ Marc

A Funeral Service for Marc will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Alyssa Weaver will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow and burial will be at a later date at Westby Coon Prairie Cemetery.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Marc's family

708 S. Main St.

Westby, WI 54667

608-634-2100