Christopher Charles “Chris” Nelson, age 81, of Shawano, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at his home. Chris was born on October 20, 1945, in Rockford, Illinois to the late Howard and Bonnie (Baker) Nelson. He worked for Menards in Plover, Wisconsin from January 1995 until May 2017 when he retired. Chris had the opportunity to move to Guatemala with his friend, Emilia in September of 2017; in April of 2018, he moved to Shawano. He traveled to Gary Loos in San Acacia, New Mexico in 2018 and went back to Guatemala in 2021 and 2023 for vacation. Chris loved traveling where he was able to experience new and different environments and cultures. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, photography, fishing, and astronomy and loved cats.

Chris is survived by his brother, Howard (Pat) Nelson; best friends, Samuel Zaverousky and Neil Van Rossum; good friend that was able to take him fishing one last time, Kevin Gee; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Chris is preceded in death by his siblings, Dirk Nelson, Steve Nelson and Martha McMillen; friend, Emilia; and parents, Howard and Bonnie Nelson.

Inurnment will be held at Rural Cemetery in the Town of Rural, Wisconsin.