Jessie R. Nelson

MADISON – Jessie R. Nelson, age 101, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2021 at Oakwood Lutheran Homes in Madison where she resided the last few years. She was born on Aug. 5, 1919 in Hancock, Wis., the daughter of James and Lulu Ripton. She was a graduate of Hancock High School and Oshkosh Business School. Jessie Married Vilas T. “Red” Nelson in 1941; they were happily married until his passing in 1986 and raised their three children in Fitchburg. Beginning in the 1940’s, Jessie worked for banking for more than 60 years, helping to break the “glass Ceiling” in that industry as a woman who managed increasingly responsible positions in personnel and banking operations. She worked as Personnel Director for Bank of Madison, Vice President and Cashier for Lake City Bank, and Field Auditor for Banker’s Bank, retiring at 89 years old as their Internal Auditor. In 2002, Jessie was selected as one of the “Outstanding Women in Banking” by North Western Financial Review. She was a member of her beloved Luther Memorial Church for more than 80 years, lending her voice to the choir and serving on many committees. She also loved golfing, recording her first hole-in-one in 2005 at the age of 85; American Saddlebred horses and attending horse shows; and fishing trips with Red. Jessie was a loving and caring wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. We will always remember her for her unconditional love, honesty, courage, and compassion. Jessie is survived by her children, Jean Anne (Phil Preston) Berry and Marilyn (Timothy) Herbert; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a nephew and three nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Red; her son, William, and his wife, Judi (Molthen); her sister, Jean, whom she had a very special bond of more than 90 years; and a half-sister, Olive Meyer. Services will be held at LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH, 1021 University Ave., Madison, on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at 4 p.m. Memorials in Jessie’s name can be made to: Oakwood Foundation, Inc., 6209 Mineral Point Rd., Madison, WI 53705. Jessie loved her family, her church, her work, and her friends – she lived a very full life. The family wishes to thank Jessie’s many friends, as well as the staff at Oakwood Village, for all their loving support, friendship, and dedication.A life well lived, Jessie – you were a good and faithful servant. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.866allfaiths.com.