Christopher Ernst Nelson, age 60, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Chris was born on February 9, 1965, in Amery, Wisconsin, to Phillip and Mary Nelson. He was baptized and confirmed at Milltown Lutheran Church and raised on the family farm in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. His childhood was filled with the joy of farm life, time spent with his siblings, and cherished summers alongside his cousin, Erik. A proud graduate of Unity High School in 1983, Chris was an accomplished athlete, participating in football, baseball, basketball, and FFA. He went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from UW-River Falls and UW-La Crosse.
Chris met the love of his life, Kelly J. Johansen, at the Polk County Fair while showing cattle. High school sweethearts, they married on Nov. 29, 1986, and built a life filled with love and purpose. Together, they bought the family farm from Chris’s parents and raised their four children, Kendra, Lucas, Olivia and Carly on the land that held generations of memories.
After selling the cattle, Chris found a new calling in education. He dedicated 27 years to the St. Croix Falls School District as a special education teacher. He also served as athletic director and coached both football and basketball at various levels. His passion for sports extended into officiating basketball games, a role he held for 25 years alongside his close friend Dale Johnson. Chris was honored to be selected to referee at the state tournament two consecutive years – a testament to his dedication and integrity.
Beyond school and refereeing, Chris was never idle. He found joy and peace in tending to the farm – splitting wood, maintaining trails in the forest, gardening, and repairing anything that needed fixing. He served as a supervisor on the Milltown Township board. He loved summer camping trips with dear friends, Wes and Tracy Hendrickson, where laughter and shared stories filled the days. But his greatest joy came from bear hunting with his close-knit group, bonding over adventures with his dogs and nights spent in the hunting shack.
Chris was known for his sharp wit, signature one-liners, and an unmistakable sense of humor. His warmth and generosity were felt by all – if you met Chris, chances are you received one of his signature bear hugs and left knowing just how much he cared.
More than anything, Chris treasured his family. Kelly was his rock – her strength, kindness, and joy were the foundation of the life they built together. Their children and their spouses brought immense happiness into their world, and Chris beamed with pride over his five (soon to be six) beloved grandchildren. One of his greatest joys in recent years was the “gift of time” his family gave him – monthly moments of intentional togetherness filled with laughter, conversation, and memories that will last forever.
Chris’s faith in God was a guiding light throughout his life. He loved the Lord deeply and held a quiet but unwavering trust in His promises. That faith brought him great peace during his illness, as he found comfort in knowing exactly where he was going – and that he would one day be reunited with loved ones who had gone before him. His trust in God’s plan and his hope in eternity never wavered.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Mary Nelson; and in-laws, Chuck and Judy Johansen. He leaves to celebrate his memory his beloved wife, Kelly Nelson; his children, Kendra (Michael) Carlson, of Luck, Lucas (Jalana) Nelson, of Balsam Lake, Olivia (Chase) Schrupp, of Hanover, and Carly Nelson, of Balsam Lake. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Vivian, Grair, and Cooper Carlson, Knox Nelson, Adeline and Baby Schrupp, due in December 2025. He is survived by his sister, Sarah (Dan) Campbell; his brother, Craig Nelson; his cousin and brother in spirit, Erik (Wendy) Nelson; along with many other cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless cherished friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Kolstad Family Funeral Home for their support and assistance with arrangements. Special thanks to Cheryl Peper for her beautiful organ music, and to Tatum Kline and Sheila Brom for sharing their musical gifts. Most importantly, the family wishes to thank Pastor Angie for being a beacon of light and comfort. Chris held deep respect and love for her, and her unwavering presence, support, and spiritual guidance meant the world to him and to us.
Though our hearts are heavy with the loss of our husband, dad and Bumpa, we are deeply grateful for the many conversations, memories and stories shared by those whose lives he touched. Chris’ legacy is one of devotion, laughter, strength and faith – a life well lived and deeply loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Joy Lutheran Church in Centuria, Wisconsin, Saturday, June 7, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held from 4 -7 p.m., Friday, June 6, at Joy Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Arrangements are with the Kolstad Family Funeral Home.
