Julian A. Nelson

Julian Arnold Nelson, age 95, of Alma, died on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Gundersen-St. Elizabeth Healthcare Center in Wabasha. Julian Arnold Nelson was born on July 1, 1925 in the Township of Clinton, Vernon County, Wisconsin near Westby. Julian worked at home on the farm and also at other local farms until the age of 17, when he went to La Crosse Vocational School for machinist training. In 1942, he worked at the Rock Island Arsenal of Rock Island, IL until the end of May in 1943. On June 1, 1943, Julian enlisted in the United States Navy and was assigned to Machinist Mate training at the U of MN, St. Paul after “boot camp”. There he studied steam engineering for 4 months. Julian served during the Pacific Theatre during WW II where he earned 6 battle stars. He was honorably discharged in May of 1946. Julian became an employee of Dairyland Power Cooperative steam plant in Genoa on June 1, 1946. He married Rita Domke in 1946. He transferred to a new Dairyland steam plant at Alma, WI in August of 1947. The adopted two boys, Steve in 1959 and Mark in 1961. They later divorced. He continued his employment at Dairyland, except for short periods of time…three years total…which he spent as a business representative of the Local 953 IBEW. Julian was a member of the Alma American Legion, Post 224 and a member of Lodge No. 184 F&AM. He was also a member of the Lutheran faith. Julian retired from Dairyland Power in 1989, after 43 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and carpentry. He is survived by his two sons, Steve Nelson and Mark (Kim) Nelson; Grandchildren, Stephanie and Nick; three great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; sister, Ardyce (Barry) Crouse; also by nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding Julian in death were his parents, Elmer and Alida; longtime friend and companion, Lottie Siler; four brothers, Orville, Verlyn, Clinton and Everett; sister, Vivian; and grandson, Nathan, the son of Steve. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Talbot family funeral home, Alma Chapel. A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday February 17, from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service. Inurnment with full military honors will held and announced later this spring at Alma Memorial Cemetery.