John Wayne Nelson, age 78, of Prairie Farm, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 9, 2022.

He was born September 10th, 1943 in Prairie Farm to Clinton and Frances (Van Blaricom) Nelson.

John attended grade school at the Young School near his home and graduated from Prairie Farm High School.

On August 24th, 1968 he was married to Marlene Rischette at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Almena. The couple went on to raise 2 children while operating their dairy farm northeast of Prairie Farm.

John’s first hobby was deer hunting around the farm as well as the cabin in Clam Lake. He also enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. John then moved on to pulling his favorite brand of tractors at the local fairs…..John Deere. John loved to collect toy tractors as well and had many types including Co-ops, Cockshutts and Olivers but the display is overwhelmingly green and yellow.

Filling the time between milking also included building pole sheds for neighbors and friends and watching the Green Bay Packers play football.  John and Marlene milked cows until 2006 and continued to raise crops after.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene; children, Robin Nelson of Prairie Farm and Joseph (Daydrea) Nelson of Hutchinson, MN; grandchildren, Conner, Carter and Chesney Nelson; brothers, Barry (Nancy) Nelson of Prairie Farm and Richard Nelson of Pasco, WA. He is also survived by several others who were important to him including brother in-laws: Tom Rischette, Ron Moen, Ron Burg and Dennis Bunde; as well as sister in-laws: Sue Moen and Maryann Sindelar. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents; brother, James; sisters, Joanne (Dennis) Bunde and Eileen (Ron) Burg; and several aunts and uncles.

A funeral service for John Nelson will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at United Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm with Rev. Sara Feld officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday morning. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Almena in the spring.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Jan 13, 2022 6:54 am CST