Reverend Gaylor F. Nelson (DC)

Gaylor F. Nelson, of Baraboo, was born on September 2, 1950 To Macy and Irene Nelson in Joy, IL. He died peacefully on May 26, 2019 at UW-Madison Hospital at the age of 68.Gaylor began life in rural Illinois. During his formative years he learned a love of all things in God's nature. He became an avid fisherman, hunter and began a life-long love affair with horses. These pursuits would lay the foundation of his entire life. He thoroughly enjoyed socializing with his parishioners in the field, on the lake, or on the links. Yet he also found time to be present in their labors whether raising a barn or tilling a field.Academics was always a constant in the pastor's life. He graduated from Alwood High School Alpha, IL in 1968. Gaylor was always proud of his undergraduate degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL, which he earned in 1972. He went on to teach Biology at Solon, IA for two years following his graduation.At that point, Gaylor followed in his mother Irene's footsteps and returned to school at Palmer College of Chiropractic. As a child Gaylor, chiropractic care had helped him thrive after an illness and Gaylor wanted to help others as he had been helped. He graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractics in 1977.As an ambitious young grad, Gaylor quickly established a thriving chiropractic practice in western Illinois. Being a restless soul, he somehow felt that he had not completed his life's work. He answered God's call to ministry in 1992. He was ordained to Word and Sacrament September 12, 2004.It was in seminary that he met Shelley Dresser in 1993. They married in 1995. At that time they blended their families and became one.Although they had separate ministries, their combined talents were electrifying to congregations. Reverend Shelley used her persuasive prose in conjunction with Reverend Gaylor's homespun poetic pronouncements and tenor singing voice to preach the Gospel.Gaylor's service to God was multifaceted. He served calls at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, IA, and at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Durant, IA. He was a certified chaplain and served at Madison Hospice and Dane County Jail. His community service was wide and varied. Gaylor's love of education was manifested by his continuing in the teaching profession until his end of days.Pastor Nelson's family would like to express their appreciation to his caregivers. Among them are the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, SSM St. Clare, Baraboo, WI and UW-Madison Hospital for the excellent care he received during his most recent illness.Gaylor Nelson was a true individual and gentleman. He loved his life and his family. His corny jokes were usually greeted with a groan, then a chuckle. He often used humor as a teaching tool.Gaylor is survived by best friend and soulmate, Rev. Shelley Nelson, loving wife of 24 years; sons, Erik Nelson (Erin Carlson) Rochester, MN, and Andrew (Liesl) Nelson New Berlin, WI, and stepsons, Aaron Dresser Dubuque IA, Todd Dresser (Beth Stockbridge) Green Bay, WI, and Noah (Jessica) Dresser, Green Bay WI. Loving Grandfather to: Mara, Isaac, Ian, and Ella Nelson: and LJ, Josh, and Cecelia Dresser. Further survived by sister Dr. Glenda (George) Foy Aledo, IL, and many nieces nephews and cousins in his wonderfully blessed, happy and diverse family.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Baraboo with Pastor Karen Hofstad officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Baraboo River Equine-Assisted Therapies, Inc of Baraboo, WI or St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Baraboo, WI.