Wendell Robert Nelson, retired English professor, passed away peacefully at his Stevens Point, WI home on December 19th, 2020. He was born in Long Beach, California on August 23rd, 1941 to Robert and Bernice Eldridge. For the next four years, he lived in Iowa until he was adopted by Clarence and Marguerite Nelson. With them he moved to Minnesota, where he grew up. After graduating from St. Cloud State University in 1963 with bachelor’s degree in English and history, he received master’s degree from Southern Illinois University.
Wendell was always grateful for four great gifts. First, the gift of life from his birth parents Bernice and Robert Eldridge. Second, the gift of love from Clarence and Marguerite Nelson. Third, the gift of nature from his first wife, Ellen. And, fourth, the kindness, fun, and friendship of his fellow teachers at the English Department of UW-Stevens Point; the nurses and doctors in the Emergency Room at St. Michael’s Hospital; and his co-workers at the Portage County Public Library.
He is survived by two sons, Wesley of Marengo, Illinois and Christopher of Anchorage, Alaska; five grandchildren Walden, Dylan, Mayuri, Honami, and Brook.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, or the Portage County [Wisconsin] Historical Society.