Roger Nels Nelson

Beloit – Roger Nels Nelson, age 88, passed away on February 2, 2026, at Riverside Terrace. He was born on July 23, 1937, in Barron, WI to Nels and Concordia Nelson. Roger graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1956. He married the love of his life Joyce Austin on January 5, 1957, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Beloit, WI. In 2017, they celebrated 62 years of marriage, before her passing in 2018.  

Roger proudly served in the National Guard, where he was stationed at Ft. Lewis. After his service, he returned to work for Welders Supply, until his retirement after 44 years of dedication. Roger gained his craftsman skills from his father and built his first home in his 20’s. He continued to build four more family homes including a fifth being his son Jim’s forever home. One of Rogers' most proud achievements was restoring the old girl scout lodge in Newark Township, turning it into his fourth family home. He even took the timber from the woods nearby, milled them down, and used the wood to build the inside of the home. 

Roger had many different skills including running a hobby farm, restoring mustangs, crafting bandsaw blades, and being there for anyone to help and share his knowledge.  

Roger is survived by his five children; Jim (Brenda) Nelson, Tammy (Gerald) Geister, Sandy (Linda) Nelson, Cheryl Nelson, and Shawn Webster, 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, sister; Linda Huebner, his family in Barron, WI, special friends; Wally (Mary) Thiering, Bill (Candy) Hoefer, Bob (Nancy) Carlson 

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and In-Laws; Roy (Lola) Austin. 

A funeral service will be held at Brian Mark Funeral Home, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit, WI on February 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12:00 Noon until the time of service. Burial will be held immediately following at Newark Cemetery. 

Brian Mark Funeral Home is assisting the family. 608-362-2000 

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