Thomas Harold Nilsson

MINOCQUA, Wis. - Thomas Harold Nilsson, 73, of Minocqua, passed away on Jan. 23, 2017, at his residence with his loving family by his side.

Born Nov. 3, 1943, in Chicago, Tom was the youngest son of Harold and Margaret (Smith) Nilsson. Upon graduating from Culver Stockton University, Tom went on to further his education at the University of Tennessee. Tom served in the U.S. Marine Corps and later had a successful career in education and coaching, retiring with the Department of Defense Dependent Overseas Education System in 2005.

Tom was very active in his local communities, in particular the St. Matthias Episcopal Church - veterans breakfast, community table, Frederick Place, Survivor's Dinner, usher, lay reader - and the Northwoods Model Railroad Club.

Tom loved spending time outdoors, coaching and watching his children and grandchildren grow into their adult lives. He particularly enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Clear Lake during his summer breaks from teaching. He and his wife eventually built their retirement home in Minocqua to be closer to the family cottage.

He is survived by his wife, Betty J. (Raysa); two daughters, Elizabeth (Nilsson) Waters and spouse Clifford, of Vancleave, Miss., and Helen Nilsson and spouse Jenny Wendell, of Pataskala, Ohio; two grandchildren, Kristen (Waters) Wheelock and spouse Ryan, of Biloxi, Miss., and Gordon Waters and finance Christina Hamil, of Biloxi; brother, Jerry Nilsson and spouse Carol, of Cadillac, Mich.; one niece, Carrie Nilsson Boykin; one nephew, Eric Nilsson; and numerous family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank Ministry Home Care/Hospice for the support and care that was provided to Tom.

Funeral services will be held at St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Minocqua on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m., with visitation from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Matthias Episcopal Church-Community Table/Veteran's Breakfast 715-356-6758, Ministry Home Care/Hospice(Randi Danner at 800-234-3542, NATH/Frederick Place in Rhinelander at nathnorthwoods.com, or the Northwoods Model Railroad Club at [email protected] in Tom's memory.

Bolger Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family, 715-356-3200, or visit bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.