Obituaries & Guestbook

November 11, 1947 – February 6, 2026
James Edward Nelson, a lifelong Sheboygan resident, lived a life defined by love, devotion, service, and a special sense of humor. Born on November 11, 1947, Jim was the first of four children born to Harold and Wilma (Wiegand) Nelson. A proud 1966 graduate of Sheboygan South High School, Jim went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from UWM, as well as serve in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Though education and career took him in many directions, Sheboygan was always home…and he sure knew a lot of history about it.
On June 13, 1970, Jim married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Karen Louise Schommer. She was his partner in life and adventures. Together they raised two sons, Timothy and Andrew. Family was always the center of Jim’s life.
Jim began his professional career as a buyer at Leverenz Shoe Company. After the company’s closing, he continued his career at Kohler Company, serving many different roles over the next two decades before retiring.
Jim and Karen loved to travel, exploring the beauty of the United States and abroad. Their final trip together was to Scotland and Ireland, a treasured journey that reflected their shared love of discovery. Some trips were grand, some were simple, and some famously involved a Chevy Chevette, proving that joy was in the journey, and more importantly, the company.
Jim was a skilled woodworker and enjoyed making many projects at home. He also gave generously of his time, volunteering for 17 years at The Gathering Place. Even in retirement Jim was often seen as a delivery driver for Meals on Wheels, alongside his good friend Jim Schwarten. He was also a driver for Glander’s Pharmacy delivering medications, where he would often joke that he was a “drug dealer”. He knew how to get a laugh.
Jim was a devoted grandfather to his three grandchildren, Tyler, Joshua, and Alivia. They meant everything to him. Jim’s love, pride, and presence in their lives will remain special memories for them, as well as his ability to make them laugh with his silliness.
Jim will always be known for his kind heart, sense of humor, love of strawberry shakes and malted milk balls, and his never-ending thirst for Diet Coke. He touched many lives with his love, generosity, and by showing up whenever he was needed, making his life worthy of celebration.
Jim is survived by his sons, Tim (Julie) Nelson, and Andrew (Angie) Nelson; his grandchildren Tyler, Joshua and Alivia Nelson; his siblings Judy (Bill) Hayon, Jean (Denny) Kuznacic, and Jeff (Carmenza) Nelson; his brother and sister-in-law Jim and Barbara Schommer, as well as many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2025 at Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 South 12th St., Sheboygan, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with a service to follow.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aurora Medical Center Sheboygan County and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate care of Jim.