Earl was born in Racine, WI, on August 22, 1925, the son of Anna Marie (nee Bendixon) and Nels J Nelson.  Earl attended schools in Racine and Shorewood, graduating from high school from Shorewood High School, Class of 1943 .   While attending Dana College in Blair, NE, Earl met his first wife, Doris Johnson of Moorhead, IA.   They were married August 24, 1947 and were married for 64 years.  Doris passed away September 21, 2011.

Earl completed his Bachelor's Degree at Milwaukee State Teachers College, 1949.  He received his Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, 1953.

In 1949, Earl and Doris moved to Racine.    Earl began his Racine Unified School District employment as a teacher at Lincoln School for 9 years.   He served as principal of Howell School (1958-1962), Johnson School (1962- 1969) and Giese Elementary School (1969 – 1979).    Earl was the director of the school district Standards Program for 3 years.   For the last 10 years of working in education in the Racine Unified School District Earl worked at Central Office.   For three years after retirement, Earl worked with a state Education Services Grant in Madison.

On September 27, 2014, Earl married Hazel Friesema.  Hazel preceded Earl in death in July 2021.

Earl was an active member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.   He was involved with Churchmen of Racine, Kiwanis Club of West Racine, and Habitat for Humanity of Racine, Inc.  Earl enjoyed traveling, riding his bicycle around Racine, reading and spending time with his family.

Surviving Earl are his daughter, Karen J Belz (James), Florida, grandsons Steven M Belz (Kelly),Texas, and Michael S Belz, Maryland. He is also survived by great-grandsons, Mitchell H Belz, Simon Nelson Belz, Texas, and niece Julianne Nelson, Maryland.

In addition to Doris and Hazel, Earl was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Cynthia L Nelson, brother Vilmer N Nelson, and sister Ruth E Creighton.

Due to Covid, a private service will be held at a date to be determined.

Earl's family extends their grateful thanks to the staff at Lakeshore at Siena for the kindness and supportive care that Earl received while he was a resident.

Memorial suggestions are Lakeshore at Siena (memory care) or Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.