Stanley Gene Nelson, age 85 of rural Blanchardville died on Friday, November 20, 2020 at Lancaster Health Services after battling Parkinson's disease since 2004. He was born on July 10, 1935 to George & Ethel (Plank) Nelson. He grew up in rural Ridgeway and attended school and graduated from the Ridgeway High School. Stanley farmed his entire life, taking over the family farming operation at age 16 when his father died. He was involved in Scandinavian dancing as a young man, and through that he met his future wife Nancy Edith Stall from Chicago in the early years of Folklore Village at events. They were married in Chicago in September of 1965. They farmed in rural Barneveld for a couple years, and then in 1967 they bought their current farm in rural Blanchardville. They finished milking cows in 2007, but continued farming the land until recently. Stanley loved farming and the land his whole life. He was very concerned about soil and water conservation, and in 2005 he received the Iowa County Water Quality Leadership Award. Stanley also loved his equipment and working with tractors. He especially loved Minneapolis Moline equipment. He was a charter member of Prairie Gold Rush, the Minneapolis Moline collector's group. He was a member of the York Memorial Lutheran Church since they moved to the area, where he was on church council in the past. He served on the Moscow Township Land Use Committee. Stanley and Nancy enjoyed traveling the United States and Canada. He also believed in donating blood to help others.

Stanley is survived by his wife, Nancy Nelson of rural Blanchardville; two sons, Clifford (Wendy) Nelson, and Daniel Nelson both of rural Blanchardville; one sister, Twylah Gilbertson of Black Earth; and two grandchildren, Kari Hofer (FaG # 239711081) and Jessica Montano. He was preceded in death by two sisters Lorraine Nelson and Shirley Palmer.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff and doctors at the UW Hospital for their care for Stanley, and especially to Derrik Harrison of Hollandale for his help.

A walk-through visitation with the wearing of masks, limited visiting and observing social distancing will be held on Tuesday evening, November 24, 2020 from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at the York Memorial Lutheran Church in rural Blanchardville. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday morning, November 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the York Memorial Lutheran Church. A catered lunch for the family will be provided.

Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.