Rev. Andrew L. Nelson

Deceased: 2015-03-12

Diocese: MILWAUKEE

Seminary Graduation Year: 1958

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Nelson, Rev. Andrew L. entered into the fullness of Eternal Life on March 12, 2015 at the age of 82. Ordained a Roman Catholic Priest in Rome on July 14, 1957. Survived by nieces, nephews, fellow priests, religious and many wonderful friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Henry V. and Dorothy A. (Nee Van Hecke) Nelson and three brothers, Robert C., Philip H. and John C. Fr. Nelson earned a License in Sacred Theology at Gregorian University in Rome in 1958. Following 5 years of parish ministry, served as chaplain at Winnebago State Hospital, 1963-70, including a year of pastoral-clinical study at St. Elizabeth Federal Mental Hospital and Catholic University in Washington, DC, earning status of chaplain supervisor. Following 8 years as a parish pastor, he pursued a PhD in Religious Studies at Marquette University, completed in 1981. Meanwhile he taught at Marian College and was chaplain at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Agnes. He began teaching Moral Theology at Saint Francis Seminary in 1978, where he also served as Academic Dean and then as Rector. Upon retiring in 2001 and until 2009, Fr. Nelson served as an adjunct professor there, while also serving, 2002-06, as assisting priest to the lay director at St. Paul parish in Milwaukee. He assisted in parish work at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and to contribute to Scripture Reflections for the Catholic Herald until his death. Visitation will be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (812 N. Jackson St., at the corner of Wells) on Monday, March 16, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 7:00 PM. Interment will take place at Allouez Catholic Cemetery in Green Bay on Tuesday, March 17 at 11:30 AM. Memorials may be made to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 831 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 or the Lay Ministry Program of the Archdiocese, PO Box 070912, Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912.