William J. "Bill" Nelson

William J. “Bill” Nelson, 55 of San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Jackson, Nebraska, passed away Friday, March 19, 2021, in Floresville, Texas after a short, courageous battle with cancer. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 22, 2021, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Jackson, Nebraska. Those wishing to view Bill’s Memorial Mass virtually may do so at the following link: https://youtu.be/LnFqh24sKC8. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 21, 2021 at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Chapel, 1431 W. 29th Street, South Sioux City. Those wishing to view Bill’s Vigil Service virtually may do so at the following link: https://youtu.be/oHfiywcEEbc . Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in rural Jackson. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Bill was born to Charles and Patricia (Higgins) Nelson on September 13, 1965, in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from Bishop Heelan High School in 1984 and was a leader on the state championship football team. He attended Briar Cliff University and transferred to the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. He played for the UIW baseball team and was honored as the NAIA 1st Team Outfielder and UIW Baseball MVP in 1987, graduating in 1989.

Bill worked several years at the University of Incarnate Word and later at Interbake Foods in Sioux City. He was most recently employed at Intertek Testing Services in Elmendorf, Texas, as a Fire Resistance Technician Team Leader.

He will be fondly remembered as a competitive soul, a gifted athlete, a hard worker, a skilled barbeque cook, a lover of the outdoors and hunting, a loyal friend and boss, a special brother and son, and a dedicated Dad. He was an avid Nebraska Husker fan and enjoyed coaching and cheering on his children’s teams. He loved all types of sports, dancing and relaxing to good country music, and spending time with his many friends.

Bill was a previous member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Jackson. Bill exemplified true Christian faith as he faced his pain and suffering and gave selflessly to others until his death.

Bill is survived by his children: Haley (Brian) Martinez; Mallory Nelson; and Zachary Nelson of Floresville, TX; siblings: Charlene (Frank) Dorcey of York, NE; Doug (Lisa) Nelson; Barbara (Joe) Hayes; Jim (Christina) Nelson, all of Jackson, NE; Jeff Nelson and Shelley, of Omaha, NE; and Mary (Steve) Koogler, of Altoona, IA; his special friend, Diana Vela of San Antonio, TX; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews across the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents in 2020.

Special thanks go out to Dr. Lee, who cared for and made Bill feel special during the last months of his life, and to the medical staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Memorials may be directed to MD Anderson or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Jackson.