Age 80, of New London, passed away on Monday, May 04, 2009 at Appleton Medical Center. He was born on November 2, 1928 in Waupaca. Gary met his high school sweet heart and the love of his life, Phyllis Zuberbier while he was a freshman in college and Phyllis was still attending high school in Weyauwega. He graduated from Stevens Point Teacher's College on June 9, 1950 and married Phyllis a day later on June 10th in St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran church in Weyauwega. Upon graduation from college, Gary went into business with his father at Nelson Motors in Wild Rose. He joined the National Guard and was called into active duty in Fort Lewis Washington for 1 year. Upon his return into civilian life, he accepted a position as a math teacher at Washington Jr. High School in New London where he taught for 30 years. Gary retired from the National Guard after 20 years of service, having acquired the rank of Captain. Gary received his master's degree in mathematics from Illinois Institute of Technology located in Chicago. While he was teaching, he also was the Title I Coordinator for 23 years and a summer school auto mechanics teacher. He retired June 1, 1991 to enjoy sixteen wonderful winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. Gary returned from Apache Junction a week before his passing, active until the end. Hobbies included woodworking, camping, card playing, golfing, comedy club, boating and enjoying family and friends. Gary was a dedicated member of Emmanuel Lutheran church where he was also a past member of the Board of Education. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Phyllis; his children, Sharon (Alan), Sandy (Bill), Richard (Holly), Randall (Sandra), and Robert (Dana); grandchildren, Kristin (special friend, Zac), Adam (special friend, Jenna), Erin, Katrina, Nicholas, Lana, Jeremy (special friend, Jordan), Nina (Ethan), Jill (special friend, Breck), Jamie, and Joseph; great-grandchildren, Leisha, Terrell, Latasha, and Lexis; brother, Richard (Janet) Nelson, sister, MaryAnn (John) Hageman; brother and sister-in-laws, Orville (Vera) Zuberbier, Delores Volkman, and Lorraine Clifton. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Lydia Nelson; brother's in-law, Carl Volkman, Alvin Clifton, and great grandson, Tyler Neumann. The family would like to thank Dr. Guenther and the oncology staff at Martha Siekman Cancer Center at AMC and especially the fabulous nurses of 3rd Floor South. A memorial fund has been established for the Emanuel Lutheran Church and School in New London. Gary's funny stories, kind words and loving heart will be dearly missed by his family and his many, many friends. The funeral service for Gary will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 6th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Cline Hanson Funeral Home and also at the church on Thursday from 12 Noon until the time of service.