Wayne Bernard Nelson, 86, passed away on August 8, 2024. He was born on May 29, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Theodore and Victoria Nelson. He was primarily raised in Chicago, Illinois and Cedar Lake, Indiana, alongside his older brother, Donald Theodore Nelson.

Wayne attended Crown Point High School in Crown Point, Indiana, and graduated in 1956. He then went on to earn his bachelor's degree in education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, in 1960. Wayne was a proud member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and served as the Iota Alpha chapter president during his senior year.

In December of 1960, Wayne married Rosemary Kay Goodling of South Bend, Indiana. Together, they had two children, Todd Philip Nelson and Dawn Suzanne Nelson (Bussanmas). Wayne was a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his four grandchildren, Mark Christopher Nelson, Erin Kristen Nelson, Drew Kathryn Bussanmas, and Brynn Rosemary Bussanmas.

Wayne taught high school English for a few years before transitioning to a career in sales. He worked for Dow Corning Corporation for many years, specializing in the sales of industrial products, until his retirement. In his free time, Wayne enjoyed golf, tennis, fishing, and traveling. He also had a passion for painting, wine making, and panning for gold.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary, and infant son, Eric David Nelson, who passed away in May of 1966.

Known for his fun-loving and caring nature, Wayne always had a smile and a joke for everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.