Vera Jean Nelson, age 83 of Viroqua long time Vernon County Register of Deeds, passed away on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 at the Bethel Home in Viroqua. She was born November 27, 1933 to Corwin and Beatrice (Smith) Haynes. She graduated from Readstown High School in 1952 and on February 14, 1953 she married Robert Arvin Nelson at the Viroqua Lutheran Church (now Good Shepherd Lutheran Church) with Pastor Alf Romstad officiating. On April 9, 1967 Robert died on cancer leaving her a young widow with three little boys, LaVerne, Wayne, and David. She worked briefly at the First National Bank before beginning a career of nearly 44 years serving the residents of Vernon County as Register of Deeds for 30 years. She had spent over 5 years working as Deputy Treasurer and then also working 8 years as Deputy Register of Deeds. She was respected as a great public servant to the citizens of Vernon County.

She was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and held memberships in the Bethel Home Auxiliary and Viroqua Eagles Aerie No. 2707 Auxiliary. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing cards. She also enjoyed tending to her flowers. The last few years she struggled with dementia and was unable to participate as before.

Vera is survived by two sons, Wayne of Readstown, David (Karine) of Viola, a daughter-in-law, Julie Nelson of Slinger, six grandchildren, Derek (Kristin) Nelson, Brooke, Robert, Paige, Reid, and Payten, two great grandchildren, Mya and Everly Nelson, one brother, Orville (Barb) Haynes of Soldier Grove, other relatives and many friends. She was also preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Russell Guist, a sister, Betty Clark, and her son, LaVerne, as well as an infant son.