Rodney "Rod" A. Nelson, 82, De Pere, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 19, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 9, 1934 in Green Bay, WI a son of the late Casper and Viola (Jenkel) Nelson. On August 20, 1960, Rod married the former Betty J. Engelbert at Grace Lutheran Church. Rod was a graduate of East Green Bay High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and track in which he holds some records. Rod went to work for the County Highway Department as a maintenance engineer for over 41 years. He enjoyed officiating high school basketball and football and college football at St. Norbert College, Lakeland College, and Ripon College. He also enjoyed golfing and coaching Little League baseball. Rod was a choir member with Grace Lutheran Church, spent time camping, enjoyed being a camp counselor, fishing, and going to Harbor Village in Door County where you would find him driving his golf cart everywhere. Rod was a beloved UW Badger fan in all sports and a Packer fan. But Rod's greatest enjoyment was his grandchildren; whether it was swimming with them, or going to the school musicals, or watching them play in school sports. He always had time for them. Rod is survived by his wife of 56 years Betty Nelson; son Andrew J. (Barb) Nelson; son Timothy J. (Mary) Nelson; four grandchildren: McKenzie Nelson, Samantha Nelson, Whitney Nelson, and Charles Nelson; and a sister-in-law Mary (Nelson Kasbohn He was preceded in death by his parents Casper and Viola; his sisters Glorian Vanderlin and Orlean Wilda; and a brother Mark Nelson. Family and friends may visit from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, January 23, 2017 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 305 N. Tenth St, De Pere. Visitation will continue Tuesday, January 24, 2017 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM. Rod will be laid to rest in Nicolet Memorial Gardens Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send condolences to the family. Memorials are appreciated to a fund which will be established. The family would like to thank all the staff at Angel's Touch CBRF and Unity Hospice for all the compassion shown to Rod and his family.