Drew Alan Nelson of Amery died on December 15, 2010 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota after a long fought battle with severe emphysema and multiple sclerosis. Drew was born on February 8, 1953 in Baldwin, Wisconsin to Edith (Bolier) and Roy Nelson. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1971, then attended college classes at WITC in New Richmond for his machinist degree. He was employed at Andersen Windows until 1997 when he was diagnosed and treated for lung cancer, which, along with his MS, left him unable to continue his career as a machinist. Drew was treated last summer for colon cancer with several complications, but continued to fight for quality of life as long as he could. He was able to work as a courtesy van driver for the Amery Regional Medical Center, a job which he truly loved and which provided a needed service to others.
Drew was married to Mary Costello in August of 1982, and they have two wonderful sons who have helped tremendously to care for Drew for the last several years. He was a local Boy Scout leader for many years when his sons were growing up, and is a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Amery. Drew loved snowmobiling, boating, photography, and deer hunting, but mostly enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He will be missed by many, but forgotten by none.
Left to mourn Drew's passing are his wife Mary and sons Andrew and Adam Nelson from Amery; brothers: Tracy Nelson of Hudson, Brent (Lynn) Nelson of Woodville and Mark (Sherry) Nelson of Hudson. He also leaves in-laws: Rachel Costello of St. Croix Falls, Kitty (Larry) Coen of Amery, James (Karen) Costello of Anoka, MN, Colleen Simon of Grantsburg, Mike (Mary) Costello of Luck, Jean (Michael) Kemmits of Waseca, MN and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, and friends that were always supportive and very near to Drew's heart. He was preceded in death by his parents Edith and Roy Nelson, maternal and paternal grandparents, several dear aunts, uncles and cousins, along with father-in-law James Costello, brother-in-law Patrick Costello, and sister-in-law Rita Arellano.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday December 21, 2010 at 6 p.m. from Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Amery with Pastor Keith Ruehlow officiating. There will be a visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church prior to the service.