Obituary of Howard Philip Nelson

Howard Philip Nelson, age 71, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at his home. Howard was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin on October 31, 1945, the son of Wendell and Dorothy (Lidbury) Nelson.� He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1964. Howard was a member of the Lauderdale-LaGrange Fire Department for over 50 years. He also served his country in the Army National Guard for 6 years. On August 17, 1985, Howard married Chris Galetka. Howard owned and operated the Nelson Bus Company in Whitewater, WI. Always willing to help and able to fix just about anything, Howard enjoyed working with his hands and took pride in creating, building, and repairing. He shared his wealth of knowledge while patiently ignoring the messes his kids made in his pristine shop spaces.� Traveling and time with family and friends was a year-round priority. From leading snowmobile trips in the winter to Ranchero rides in the summer, these experiences are priceless. He is loved and will be missed. Surviving are: His wife Chris of Whitewater, WI, Children: Tim (Mary Kay) Nelson of Whitewater, WI, Deana (Douglas) Grall of Whitewater, WI, and Courtney (Jonathan Solari) Nelson of Whitewater, WI, Grandchildren: Kiara and Stephanie Nelson and Elijah Grall, Brother: Robert (Cindy) Nelson of Whitewater, WI and two sisters: Donna (Scott) Herman of Whitewater, WI and Linda (Steve) Steinhoff of Palmyra, WI. Howard was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the First English Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI with Rev. Steven Hanson officiating. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater, WI. Friends may call from 4-7PM on Monday, December 5, 2016 at the Nitardy Funeral Home Chapel, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI and after 10AM on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the church until the time of the services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to Lauderdale/LaGrange Fire Department, to the First English Lutheran Church, or to Agrace Hospice of Janesville, WI.