Wendell Keith Nelson

Wendell Keith Nelson

Wendell Keith Nelson was born on May 26, 1937 at home in Dell Rapids, SD to Ernest and Eva (Bates) Nelson. He grew up on a farm near Trent and attended school there where he enjoyed playing basketball and football until he graduated in 1957. He married his high school sweetheart a "swell gal" Barbara Madetzke on September 21, 1958 in Jasper, Minnesota. They made their home in Trent, SD and had four children, two boys and two girls. He served in the Air National Guard of South Dakota for six years. They were named Moody County farm family of the year in 1970. He farmed until 1986 when he moved to Orlando and began his second career at Walt Disney World in horticulture. In 2019, at the age of 81, he retired from Disney with over 32 years of service.

He was baptized at Trent Baptist Church where he served as a trustee. He has been a member of First Baptist Church of Orlando since 2002. He enjoyed watching UCF basketball and football tailgating with his family. He was an avid Orlando Magic fan as well. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Norlan, Erma, Joyce and Curtis. He is survived by his sister Betty Railsback from Michigan.

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Barbara; daughter Renee (Greg) Rokeh of Orlando; Lori Nelson of Orlando, Keith (Patty) Nelson of Sioux Falls, SD and Kent (Kim) Nelson of Kalispell, MT. Grandchildren include Sarah, Josiah and Elias and great grandchildren Nevaeh and Nathan.

Wendell lived a quiet, faithful life of love, kindness and warmth. We will miss "Dad", "Papa", "Mr. Nelson" with his sincere smiles, quick wit and selfless devotion to his God and his family.

"Come quickly to help me my Lord and my Savior" Psalm 38:22

"His lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25:21