Service Details
Due to Covid, a private service will be held at a date to be determined.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorial suggestions are Lakeshore at Siena (memory care) or Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.
Earl was born in Racine, WI, on August 22, 1925, the son of Anna Marie (nee Bendixon) and Nels J Nelson. Earl attended schools in Racine and Shorewood, graduating from high school from Shorewood High School, Class of 1943 . While attending Dana College in Blair, NE, Earl met his first wife, Doris Johnson of Moorhead, IA. They were married August 24, 1947 and were married for 64 years. Doris passed away September 21, 2011.
Earl completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Milwaukee State Teachers College, 1949. He received his Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, 1953.
In 1949, Earl and Doris moved to Racine. Earl began his Racine Unified School District employment as a teacher at Lincoln School for 9 years. He served as principal of Howell School (1958-1962), Johnson School (1962- 1969) and Giese Elementary School (1969 – 1979). Earl was the director of the school district Standards Program for 3 years. For the last 10 years of working in education in the Racine Unified School District Earl worked at Central Office. For three years after retirement, Earl worked with a state Education Services Grant in Madison.
On September 27, 2014, Earl married Hazel Friesema. Hazel preceded Earl in death in July 2021.
Earl was an active member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. He was involved with Churchmen of Racine, Kiwanis Club of West Racine, and Habitat for Humanity of Racine, Inc. Earl enjoyed traveling, riding his bicycle around Racine, reading and spending time with his family.
Surviving Earl are his daughter, Karen J Belz (James), Florida, grandsons Steven M Belz (Kelly),Texas, and Michael S Belz, Maryland. He is also survived by great-grandsons, Mitchell H Belz, Simon Nelson Belz, Texas, and niece Julianne Nelson, Maryland.
In addition to Doris and Hazel, Earl was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Cynthia L Nelson, brother Vilmer N Nelson, and sister Ruth E Creighton.
Due to Covid, a private service will be held at a date to be determined.
Earl’s family extends their grateful thanks to the staff at Lakeshore at Siena for the kindness and supportive care that Earl received while he was a resident.
Memorial suggestions are Lakeshore at Siena (memory care) or Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.
Deborah Coca says
I remember working under Earl for many years. He was a true professional and educator. He was always willing to listen and talk to. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Earl’s family and friends.
Barbara Skovsted says
My sincere condolences to Earl’s family.
Joe O'Dowd & Diana Maria Alcazar- O'Dowd says
We will miss this lovely and kind man forever.
Kathleen and Winston McColl says
Sorry to hear of “uncle” Earl’s passing. He was the last of a generation of Johnson kin ( through his wife Doris). Our sympathies to Karen and Jim on the loss of another loved one.
David Lauer says
Karen, I am so sad to see your dad’s passing. I am very sure he was met by a multitude of angels and carried into Heaven. Pondering the number of lives he influenced in his long career in education is mind-boggling. I am sure my sister Ellen was among the angels who greeted him. May God grant you peace as you mourn his passing
LeAnn Porter says
He was a super good principal. All our children went to Giese. I was on the PTA board at Giese and he was well respected. In 2015 I moved to a condo and he and Hazel lived at the opposite end. May he R.I.P.
Dennis Malone says
Earl was the principal at Giese Elementary School during very challenging and rewarding years in the 70s—three strikes and the rollout of Individualized Guided Education. Under Earl’s leadership Giese became a nationally recognized IGE learning center. In fact, a TV crew interviewed our staff, students, and filmed many classroom activities. Earl assembled a very competent staff from which three teachers also became RUSD principals. Another teacher went on to become the Racine County Executive. I recall Earl and I sitting outside on the front stoop
with him sharing future career progression options. On behalf of our students, staff, PTA, and parents, thank you Earl for creating an environment conducive for learning. You made a difference when it mattered most,
Charles Leonard says
Earl was my principal for 14 years at Giese School. He was also my supervisor when I was principal at Olympia Brown School. Earl was always very professional and well respected in his field. We shared many thoughts and ideas about education. Earl was a great educator and friend.
Andrea Lorenz says
Earl was a real educator. More than that, he was a kind and fine man who influenced the lives of many younger teachers, including mine, by his “whispered” words of wisdom. As well as being an educator, he was a true gentleman. . My sympathy to his daughter and family. Be proud of Dad and Grandpa.
Randy Roberts 1960's student says
I remember Ms. Nelson with his whistle on the hill. So much more respect then for teachers and the principal.
Lois Solberg says
For nine years I worked with Earl on the Habitat for Humanity Finance committee. He was a joy to work with, knowledgeable, willing worker with a great sense of humor. It was a priviledge to know and work with him. My sympathy to his daughter and family.
Dennis Kaisler says
To all family members,
Your father was my 6th grade teacher @ Lincoln in 1955- 1956, he was a very firm, but understanding person. I learn a lot from him & I will always remember him as one of my favorite teachers.
May God help everyone during your time of lost & give everyone strength during these hard times.