Service Details
Private family services, with military honors, will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial Suggestions
In memory of Rolf, offer a kind deed to someone in need.
Sturtevant – Rolf A. Nelson, age 81, passed away peacefully at Seasons Hospice – Ignite early morning Monday, March 8, 2021.
Rolf was born on March 28, 1939 in Yankee Hollow, WI to Norwegian immigrant, Ingvall and his wife Estella (nee: Retrum) Nelson. After graduation from Arena High School in 1956, Rolf faithfully served our country with the United States Air Force as an avionics engineer at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland for 8 years. Immediately following, Rolf continued in avionics with the US Air Force Reserves at General Billy Mitchell Field, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant after 32 years of total service. Rolf was a longtime member of VFW Post 9948 in Sturtevant.
While serving in Maryland, Rolf met the love of his life, Claudia (nee: Williams). They were married at Andrews Air Force Base on July 18, 1964. Among his interests, Rolf enjoyed flying remote controlled airplanes, bowling, shooting pool and was an extreme Green Bay Packers & Milwaukee Brewers fan. Above all, Rolf loved spending time with his entire family.
Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 57 years, Claudia Nelson; their daughters, Col. Rebecca Bahm, USAF (Ret.), Robin (Charles) Broadway and Anne (Paul) Schmidt; adored grandchildren, Ashley, Brooke & McKenna Broadway; Skylar & Tristan Schmidt; cherished great-granddaughter, Remi; brothers, Herbert (Emma Jean), Clifford (Arlene), & Gerald (Beverly) Nelson; sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Gloria Baker, Edwina Bicsey, Anna Basser, Kenneth (Cindy) Williams, Dolores Pass, Richard (Georgia) Williams, Robert (Janet) Williams, Thomas (LaVerne) Williams, Mary Gay (Frank, Jr.) Grazulis & Mark (Cyndi) Williams; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to his parents, Rolf was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Brandi Broadway; brother, Knute (Esther) Nelson; sisters, Irene (Carl) Halverson, Doris (Richard) Willborn, Violet (Dick) Dickinson, & Helen (Otis) Jacobsen; mother and father-in-law, Edward and Gloria Williams; and brothers-in-law, Robert Baker, Ray Bicsey, Edgar Moody, Ernie Basser & Chuck Pass & sisters-in-law Darlene Williams & Mary Rose Williams.
Private family services, with military honors, will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In memory of Rolf, offer a kind deed to someone in need.
Deanna Manning says
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I hope the memories help carry you thru this difficult time.
Bob Gualtieri says
I arrived at the 440 AW in 1997 so I didn’t know Chief Nelson, but would like to offer a salute to him who served our country so many years. I was a pilot and appreciate the maintainers who kept our planes flying. Sorry for your loss.
Bob Gualtieri, Col, USAFR (ret), 440 AW 1997-2003
Kenneth Mischka says
Rolf was my first supervisor in 1968 at the 440th and best I have ever had, he was an inspiration and model for me all my life. I tried to model myself after him , his calm and quiet demeaner were always in the forefront of my thoughts. After I left to become Chief of Avionics at O’hare we had numerous conversations about similar problems and his wise guidance was always insightful. My world is a better place because of my friend and he will never be forgotten. My deepest thoughts and sorrow go out to his family.
Msgt. Kenneth Mischka USAFR (ret) 440th CAMS 1968-1988
Tom and Jackie Oettinger says
Our deepest sympathy to you Claudia and girls. And thank you to Rolf for his service. Prayers are with you.
Rebecca A Bahm says
Thank you to everyone for your lovely sentiments. My family is very grateful for your support. Becky