William (Bill) Templeton Nelson

William (Bill) Templeton Nelson of Ipswich, MA died on August 19, 2022 at the age of 86. He was born in Irasburg, VT in 1935, son of William (Bill) Pettee Nelson and Elizabeth Beauclerk Templeton. Bill was delivered at his grandparents’ home by his grandfather, ‘Doc’ Templeton. Growing up in Newton, Mass he visited family in VT, fishing and hiking at May Pond in Barton, VT. He graduated from Newton High School in 1954, graduated from University of New Hampshire in 1958 where he played lacrosse and was a US Lacrosse All-American. Upon graduation he became a commissioned officer in the US Army and served in Korea. He attended Command and General Staff College and retired from the US Army Reserve in 1986 as a lieutenant colonel.
Bill married Lee Minerva Simpson in 1960, whom he met freshman year at UNH. They were married for 54 years. He was an outside salesman in the paper packaging industry and the family lived in Byfield, Mass, Pittsford, NY and Wenham, Mass. Bill and Lee moved to Ipswich upon retirement in 1996 to be closer to their grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife and his parents. Bill is survived by his two children, Cathleen Templeton Nelson Wardley and Drew Roberta Nelson, son-in-law Frank Wardley and his grandchildren Elizabeth and Margaret Wardley. He is also survived by his brothers Peter E. Nelson (Cynthia) and Charles W. Nelson (Miriam) and four nieces and nephews.
Bill enjoyed volunteer work, as president of UNH class of 1958 planned multiple reunions, past president of the Ipswich Rotary Club, manager of the Ipswich Visitors Center for 10 years. A member of First Church in Wenham for 48 years he served as moderator, attended numerous mission trips, actively supported Family Promise and the Men’s Forum. When not volunteering, Bill was a voracious reader and traveler. In retirement he and his wife, Lee took over 100 trips around the world. He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, hard worker, an enthusiastic traveler and someone who always tried to help others.
Special thanks to the excellent caregivers at the Residence at Riverbend. The funeral and celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, September 25, 2022 at First Church in Wenham, 1 Arbor Street, Wenham. A reception will immediately follow the service. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Ipswich Rotary Charitable Trust, PO Box 543 Ipswich, MA 01938.  Assisting the Nelson family is the Morris Funeral Home of Ipswich.  To send a letter of condolence to Bill's family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .

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