Morris “Sam” E. Nelson, age 83, of Willard, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at his home under the tender care of hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2019 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Willard.  Father Leo Johnson will officiate.  Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Withee.  Family and friends are welcome from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 6 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen and from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Monday at the church.

Sam was born on April 18, 1935, the son of Arnold and Alma (Olson) Nelson in the Town of Holoway.  He was united in marriage on September 3, 1955 to Evelynn “Evie” Rothmeier at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Stetsonville.  She preceded him in death on October 21, 2009.

Sam managed the Owen Condensing Plant, drove milk truck which he owned, for 32 years and farmed with his wife Evie in the Town of Longwood.  He loved talking with his sons and patrons about farming.

Sam loved to polka with his wife of 54 years in different dance halls.  He also enjoyed watching the Packers, the Molly B Polka Show, pontoon rides and scratch off tickets.  Sam loved being with his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.  He will also be missed by his long time companion “Miss Kitty”.

Sam is survived by his six children:  Scott (Marion) Nelson of Withee, Kay (Ron) Ernst of Owen, Kathy Nelson of Greenwood, Steve (Wendy) Nelson of Eland, Karen (Dave) Jones of Merrill and Todd (Sarah) Nelson of Withee; 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.  He is further survived by his brother, Dale Nelson of Cudahy; his sister, Anna Boxrucker of Owen; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brother, Roger and his sisters, Grace Nelson and Jane Mechefski.