NELSON RONALD K

CW2 Ronald "RK" K. Nelson was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 09/26/2014 at the age of 68.0 from Heart failure
Greenfield, WI
Flight Classes 67-1 and 66-23
Date of Birth 10/04/1946
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with B/7/17 CAV in 67-68
Call sign in Vietnam RED 16
This information was provided by Sammie Williams

More detail on this person: Nelson, Ronald Kenneth Passed away Saturday, September 26, 2014, at the age of 67. (note: newspaper obituary had date wrong) Loving husband of Barbara (nee Bagemihl), loving father of David (Lilly Duermeier) Nelson and Angela (Brandon) Dequardo. Proud grandfather of Peter Kenneth Dequardo. Further survived by brother Keith (Valeria), their children Nubia, Alex and Nicolas, and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Edwin Arthur Nelson and Bette Jane Yakel and his brothers Gareth and Neil. Decorated Vietnam helicopter pilot, commercial photographer for over 35 years, and member of the Milwaukee wood turning community, Ron was a man of many talents with a love of learning and teaching. He courageously battled leukemia in 2009 and was surrounded by his loving family at his time of passing. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial gathering at Ron and Barb's condo (6128 W. Woodview Ct., Greenfield) on Saturday, October 4. Memories to be shared at 4 PM followed by informal dinner. Memorials to Wisconsin American Legion Foundation. Serving the Family WITKOWIAK (414) 645-2467

Published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Oct. 1, 2014

Several years before he died, Ron was awarded 100% Service Connected Disability. He actually survived the leukemia and after being in remission for 5 years his oncologist declared him cured. He died from congestive heart failure further complicated by kidney failure. About seven years before he died, he started receiving group treatment for PTSD at the local VA hospital. The life changing help this group gave Ron cannot be understated and Ron's wife Barbara (who married him at Fort Rucker while Ron was in flight school) encourages anyone with PTSD to seek out help as Ron ultimately did.

Ron's time in service forged lifelong relationships and countless deep and special memories. Ron named his son David Leonard Nelson after his Army friends: CWO David W. Timm (KIA 4/5/1968), CW2 David R. Olson, CW2 Leonard L. Robbins.

From: Barbara J. Nelson (Ron's wife)

This information was last updated 02/02/2015

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Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025