William Nelson

Nelson, William J. 61, of Minneapolis. It is ironic that one of Bill's greatest attributes was his generous spirit and kind heart, yet it was his heart that brought his life quickly to a close on Jan. 17. The earth has released one of its very best; he was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Sally, family and friends, and faithful canine companion, Ted. Bill was a man of huge interests and enthusiasms, a voracious reader with an insatiable quest for knowledge. A man of high standards, he lived a principled life and was a true professional. Bill was precise, trustworthy and honest – the core values he lived his life by. He was innovative and creative; he enjoyed finding out how things worked and fixing those that didn't. A lifelong hunter, he respected the laws of nature. And, more than anything, "He was my North, my South, my East and West" to his beloved Sally. Bill was born in Rochester on Dec. 31, 1946, to Ruth (Hassig) and John Nelson, and was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church. He graduated from Wells High School, attended Winona State University for one year and transferred to the University of Minnesota's College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated. On June 20, 1970, he and Sally (Wuethrich) were married. Bill was a practicing Registered Pharmacist for 37 years. He began his career as a Staff Pharmacist at University of Minnesota Hospitals, was a Staff Pharmacist at Pilot City Health Center for two years and then was named Director of Pharmacy there, serving in that capacity for 15 years. He retired as a Pharmacy Supervisor at HCMC last August. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Nelson; his father, John Nelson; and his father-in-law, Edwin Wuethrich. He is survived by his wife, Sally; devoted friend, Ted; sisters, Kathy (Lyle) Zinniel, Winnebago, Janet (William) Starke, Tucson, Ariz.; brother, Richard, Rochester; stepmother, Trudy Nelson, Rochester; mother-in-law, Eunice Wuethrich, Arlington; sisters-in-law, Mary (Richard) Fylling, Watertown, S.D., Carol (Michael) Toyli, Plymouth, Karla (Kent) Kullman, Waconia; brother- in-law, John Wuethrich, Silver Lake. In addition, nieces and nephews, Jeff (Kim) Soost, Buffalo Center, Iowa, Scott Soost and special friend Stephanie Newman, Alden, Rhonda (Randy) Schumacher, Glencoe, Todd Lustman, Glencoe, Matthew (Gloria) Toyli, Fridley, Susan (Jerome) Meyer, Coon Rapids, David Toyli, Minneapolis, Kristina (Seth) Monson, Mora, Heidi (Rob) Kullman, Waconia, Edward (Andrea) Wuethrich, Circle Pines, Joe Wuethrich, Winsted. He also is survived by 14 grand-nieces and -nephews, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. While Bill's own heart has stopped, he lives on in the hearts of his friends and loved ones. A service of love and remembrance will be held Thursday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m. at The Congregational Church of Excelsior, 471 Third Street, Excelsior (952-474-5919), with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. No flowers, please. Memorials preferred to the family, who will select a wildlife or conservation organization in memory of Bill. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

William Nelson

January 23, 2008

Tributes

William Nelson

January 23, 2008

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