He was born on February 17, 1937 in Oconto to the late Philip and Esther (Graftstrom) Nelson. On October 20, 1955 Sam married the former Margaret "Meg" Cool. He retired from Schneider National Transport where he drove truck for many years. Sam was a musician and enjoyed golf, fishing, and was willing to lend a hand to anyone that needed help.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Meg; five children, Michelle (John) Rose and Scott Nelson, Green Bay; Mike Nelson, Mark (Sheree) Nelson, and Eric (Hope) Nelson all of little Suamico; seven grandchildren Angela, Chad, Rachel, Christopher, Jenelle, Ethan, and Evan; special step-mother, Charlotte Nelson; Oconto; two sisters, Alva (Jack) Herald, Oconto, Alice Virigin, Sheboygan; three brothers, John (Joyce) Nelson, Kenosha; Ken (Lynn) Nelson, Green Bay; Vernon (Cheryl) Nelson, Greenville; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one sister, Ruth Herrera.
Friends called at the Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, 121 Chicago Street, Oconto on Saturday September 23, from 9 a.m. until time of the funeral. Funeral service was 12 noon at the Funeral Home with Deacon Walt Kaszyneki officiating. Burial followed at Brookside Cemetery.