Robert N. Nelson, age 74, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully at his home in the presence of his loved ones on Friday, February 20, 2015 following a long battle with COPD.

Bob was born on January 16, 1941 in Manitowoc to the late Earl and Lydia (Baumann) Nelson. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1959. On October 20, 1995, Bob married Linda M. (Jebavy) Yelmene in Manitowoc. He was employed as a tool and die maker at Precision Tool and Die for 36 years and Universal Wire for 3 years. Bob also worked as a bartender at the Manitowoc Eagles Club and at Hamilton Scientific as a security guard for 3 years until his retirement. He enjoyed many summers in Little Sturgeon at their cottage where he would use his riding lawn mower to make rounds visiting and cutting grass for his friends and neighbors. Bob was known as "Scruffy Bob" by many of the friends and relatives because of his little shadow Scruffy, an Austrian Terrier, who was always one step behind him as well as the fact that he did not bother to shave while he was there. He was a die-hard Detroit Lions fan and was known to say, "I am for 31 teams in the league as long as they beat the Packers." Bob enjoyed golf, bowling, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 706 for 24 years.

Survivors include Bob's wife: Linda; daughter: Rachelle (Chris Andersen) Nelson, DePere; two sons: Doug (Karyn) Nelson and Keith Yelmene, all of Manitowoc; four grandchildren: Keegan and Alec Andersen, Kiara and Kameron Yelmene; three brothers: Russell (Darla) Nelson, Randy (Karen) Nelson, and Rick (Linda) Nelson, all of Manitowoc; three sisters: Darlene (Romy) Braun, Manitowoc; Sharon (Gary) Stryhn, Manitowoc; and Corie LaRocque, Chicago; Bob's "four-legged" children: Tippy, Milo, Sheba, Princess and Rambo - all of which were his constant companions during his retirement years; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Deacon Alan Boeldt will officiate with burial of Bob's cremated remains taking place at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Tues, February 24, 2015 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., and also on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Following the memorial service, a luncheon will be held for family and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Bob's name.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the Aurora At Home Hospice team: Terri, Jessica, Sam, Sadie and Pam, for all their help and support during Bob's brief time with them. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Alfredo Diaz for his years of treating Bob.