Allen David Nelson was born in Racine, Wisconsin on the "Ides of March" in 1948, to Charles and Aileen (nee: Kohtanen) Nelson. Al attended Fratt Elementary, McKinley Middle School, Washington Park High School and made a brief "visit" to UW-Stout. He married Angela Ricchio August 23rd, 1969. The couple welcomed a son, Scott, in 1970 and another, Christopher, in 1983. Al enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and served for 6 years, completing basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and Summer Training Camps at Fort Leonardwood, MO.

Al worked in construction with his friend, the late John E. Nielsen in Master Masonry. Al went on to become an EMT, working for his brother Raymond Nelson and the late Patrick Erickson at Erickson Ambulance. When they retired, he stepped in as the owner and continued to work as an EMT. This was the work Al was meant to do. He was a compassionate health care provider and excelled at patient care. His experience and calm demeanor helped his patients and co-workers by easing the stress involved with transport by ambulance. He was able to advance the certification of Erickson's to A-EMT status, enabling IV solutions to be administered in their squads. As the times changed and technology evolved, Al was also among the first to add hardware and software for mobile patient charting to the fleet. A "Pal" to all, the friendships Al formed with staff at Hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities, as well as his fellow employees, were treasured and life long.

Al's interests were many. Some favorites were participating in and watching sports: football, basketball, volleyball and softball. He loved doing anything outdoors, including fishing, hunting, camping and biking. He enjoyed sharing coaching duties for his sons' soccer, baseball, and basketball teams. He practiced patience, was a natural leader and committed to learning and improving his own skills as a coach to help his players grow in their abilities and in their love for team sports.

He retired and sold Erickson Ambulance 10 years ago. Although he faced many health challenges, he did so with tremendous courage, and he remained engaged in the life he loved. Shortly after he retired, Al welcomed his first of three grandchildren, who all call him "Papa" and will forever adore him. Spending time with family and friends, cooking, listening to music, attending Scott's softball games, Chris and daughter-in-law Claire's volleyball games, as well as his grandchildren's soccer, teeball games and music performances all gave him great joy!

Al passed away on February 28th, 2025 after a brave battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Angie, son Scott and Mary (nee: Amundsen) Nelson of Racine and her daughter Brittney Murphy of Racine; son Christopher and Claire (nee: Carbonneau) and their children: Celia, Reece and Kai Nelson of Whitefish Bay; brother Raymond and Jean (nee: Rubeck) Nelson of Racine; sister-in-law Betty (: Beck) and Clay Baker of Racine, sister-in-law Judy Calder (nee: Ricchio) of Oklahoma City, OK, with Gary Calder of Oklahoma City, OK, Patricia Ricchio and Jerry Triden of Birchwood, WI, and many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. The friendships he made throughout his life were precious to Al – we won't mention them all here, but you know who you are and what you meant to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Aileen (nee: Kohtanen) Nelson, niece Tori Mitchell, brothers William and Glenn and sister Kathy Nelson, In-laws: Attilio and Josephine (nee: Zakas) Ricchio, and great friend Michael Iselin.

A celebration of Al's life will be held Saturday, March 22nd. Friends and family are welcome to visit there from 11:00 – 12:30 at Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring Street, Racine, WI 53406.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp Anokijig. Al's father was able to spend a Summer week there as a child. Al enjoyed many Labor Day weekends there with his family and friends and now a fourth generation, his grandchildren are learning what a special place it is.

We wish to extend special thanks to Dr. Ranga Sriram, who saved Al's life more than once, giving him decades more of life and happiness with his family. We would also like to thank Dr. Galbis-Reig & Jennifer, Dr. Michael Curly and Sara Uttke, Erin Gillsepie, The Reiman Cancer Center Team, Ascension's Dr. Byrne and all the therapists and staff on the Rehab 3rd floor. To the Aurora Home Health Care team – Al enjoyed your visits and with your help and motivation, Al became even stronger in body and in spirit.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp Anokijig. Al's father was able to spend a Summer week there as a child. Al enjoyed many Labor Day weekends there with his family and friends and now a fourth generation, his grandchildren are learning what a special place it is.

https://registration.anokijig.com/donate-online/