If you're reading this, it means I finally finished something I started. Unfortunately, it also means my life on earth has drawn to a close.

A brief introduction: My name is (was?) Kenneth Louis Nelson but my friends call me Ken, or if we're really close, Kenny. I like to tell people I "hit the lottery" when I was born in Madison, Wisconsin on 3 May 1965 (but, frankly, all of us born in the USA have won the lottery but we just don't appreciate it). I truly love America and am thankful for having been raised here.

My childhood was amazing. My parents were incredible role models (Loel and Ann Nelson, both of whom preceded me and are now in heaven). They were humble, hard-working people -- if I accomplished even half of what they did I measure myself a success. I fondly remember spending days with my Dad on the farm and wish now I had told him how much I loved him and how much he meant to me. My Mom was always supportive and created the perfect loving household for me and my siblings (Linda, Donna, Jeff and Judy – all of whom survive me).

I was good in school and that culminated in a Mining Engineering degree from UW-Madison in 1987. After graduation, I went west to make my fortune (it didn't happen). After a few stints at gold mines and underground construction projects I headed home to family and friends in Wisconsin. I was blessed to find a career designing and selling mining equipment (mine hoist systems) and worked with a fabulous group of people at SIEMAG TECBERG Inc. in Milwaukee.

What did I do for fun? My story is not complete without mentioning my soccer career. I was never much of a player (never entered the pitch until I was 40) but I did manage to create a soccer team, FC Los Lobos, which proved to be better at socializing than playing soccer. It brought me many friendships and memorable moments. I also found triathlons late in life and crossing the finish line at Ironman Wisconsin in 2014 was a defining moment for me – an incredible feeling of doing something I thought impossible.

And now, the most important part of my story. I met the love of my life, Lisa, while at university and we've been married for over a third of a century. While dealing with cancer I've come to terms with almost everything, but I cannot bear to be without Lisa. I pray that my dying memory is of us together - immortal and young forever. She is my perfect soulmate, and my mind is full of beautiful memories of our time together. A lasting legacy is our children whom I love and adore: Wolfgang and Veronica. They both have made me so proud, and I wish I could stay here to see where their lives will lead.

Some parting thoughts: Live your life with total awareness of how fragile it is. Take nothing for granted. If you love someone, tell him or her. Do the kind thing.

Funeral Services to be held July 15, 2024. Visitation from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. followed by funeral service at 6:30 pm. at the Hartson Funeral Home 11111 W. Janesville Rd. Hales Corners WI. 53130