Idella Nelson

Idella M. Nelson, age 91 of Oxford died peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Riverwood Senior Living in Wisconsin Dells, the daughter of Gerald and Erna (Manteufel) Rice. Idella graduated from Oxford High School in the Class of 1952. She married Hubert Nelson, Sr. and together they raised five children and later divorced. Idella found companionship again with Jerry “Duffy” Bliese and together they spent over 40 years enjoying life together. She worked at The Oxford Convalescent Home and retired as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Central Colony in Madison. She enjoyed working various seasonal jobs during her retirement. Idella loved watching sports, especially her children and grandchildren and spent countless hours cheering them on at their various scholastic and athletic events. She was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, following the Badgers, Packers and Brewers on Television. She enjoyed playing cards, putting puzzles together, and listening to country music. Idella was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford. Her family was very important to her and will be remembered for her “sassy and snarky” remarks during conversations over the years.

Idella is survived by her loving companion Jerry “Duffy” Bliese of Oxford, four children: Hubert “Rusty” Jr. of Oxford, Suzette Schooler of Louisville, KY, Paul “Willie” of Oxford and James “Jamie” (Beth) of Baraboo; fourteen grandchildren: Tyler Nelson of Oxford, Julie (Issac) Semrow of Madison, Brett (Cheryl) Schooler of Atlanta, GA, Morgan (Matt) Vaughn of Louisville, KY, Todd (Amanda) Schooler of St. Petersburg, FL, Alicia (Cory)Krueger of Neshkoro, Phil Jr. “PJ” (Tracy) Nelson of Eureka, SD, Stephanie (Nick) Fisher of Oxford, Stacie (Andy) Wiess of WI Dells, Derek (Angela) Nelson of Oconomowoc, Kellie (Brandon) McBeth of Windsor, Lynette (Jeremy) Schehr of Oxford, Ronald “Ronnie” (Sara) Henke of New Richmond and Melanie (Zeb) Zuehls of Montello and 29 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by daughter-in-law, Kay Nelson of Montello, sisters: Jacqueline Walters of Oxford and Patricia Kick of Lake Mills as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Idella is preceded in death by her parents, son, Phil, son-in-law, Larry Schooler, brothers-in-law: Joe Walters and Tom Kick and great-grandson, Ashton Zuehls.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Riverwood Senior Living, Wisconsin Dells and St Croix Hospice of Baraboo for their exceptional love and care of mom.

A memorial service for Idella Nelson will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Oxford. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the hour of service with Pastor Brenda Pulver officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date at the Oxford Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, 210 S. Miller Street, Oxford, WI 53952

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Oxford and Montello is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com