William Jay Nelson

William Jay Nelson, 83, of Kangaroo Lake, Baileys Harbor passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Serenity Springs at Scandia Village in Sister Bay from complications of dementia.

Known as "Bill" or "Jay" to his friends and coworkers, he was a man of many facets. Bill was a father who taught his two sons how to work hard and play hard. He instilled in them the importance of honesty and the value of being a loyal friend. While Bill could be a bit mercurial on the golf course and elsewhere, earning the nickname "Wild Bill", he had a big heart and was always willing to help a person in need.

Bill was a loving father-in-law and grandfather who cared deeply for his entire family. Intense, competitive, funny and smart are words that describe Bill. Perhaps he wasn't always the most at ease showing his softer side, but he cared deeply for his family and friends. He did the best he could with the emotional tools and upbringing that he experienced early in life. Bill worked hard to assure his family lived in comfort, got good educations and learned the basics of life's most practical matters. He did his best to be a good man and an earnest friend. He never gave up on life's simple principles.

He is survived by his wife, Kay; sons, William A. (Rosa) [and their daughter, Lillian], and Patrick (Julie) [and their son, Van]; along with his two brothers Bud and Bob, and sister Betty and their lovely families.

"We, Bill's family, would like to offer our most sincere thanks to the wonderful nursing staff at Serenity Springs and Unity Hospice, who helped Bill, and all of us, through this long and challenging illness. The care of him in his final days showed amazing compassion and professionalism. Your support and kindness will never be forgotten."

In accordance with Bill and family wishes, there will be no formal service.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC in Sister Bay is assisting the Nelson family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Bill may be shared with his family through his tribute page at CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

R.I.P. Bill. You are FREE again!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Jay Nelson, please visit our floral store.