Elaine Marie (Moser) Nelson, age 72, of Wautoma, formerly of Waupaca, went to be with her heavenly Father on Sunday, January 9, 2022 after a short battle with cancer.

Elaine was born on March 13, 1949 in Darboy, WI to Willard (Bill) and Lucille (Van Vreede) Moser. Her family, brother William (Bill) and sisters Linda, Donna, and Fay moved to Noblesville, Indiana for a short period of time before moving to Little Chute, WI. As a young child she loved playing board games with her siblings, fishing with her dad, playing dress up and roller skating. Elaine always kept her child like sense of fun and adventure. In her youth, Elaine also learned to work hard in the family garden and later in her parents’ restaurant in Little Chute. While a work ethic was important, a lifelong love of learning also grew. Elaine attended 12 years of Catholic school and graduated from St. Johns Nepomucene Catholic Grade and High School. Elaine went on to serve her country in the U.S. Marine Corp. and after receiving an honorable discharge moved back to Wisconsin to start a family. She married Dennis Bauer and had two adventurous children, Juliet and Timothy. She stated that having children is like building the most interesting possibility-with God’s help. She then began a new chapter as a strong single woman co-owning Images Design and Printing in Waupaca. Through the business she connected with Wisconsin Association for Home and Community Education and formed a lifelong love of nonprofit work. Elaine had a zest for life and many interests. She taught catechism for 15 years at St. Mary Magdalene Faith Community and was the proud publisher of the Wisconsin Association for Home and Community Education newsletter for many years. In her younger years she enjoyed playing volleyball and cherished all of the friends that she made during those fun years. Travel and adventure were always close to her heart as well. Hawaii, Ireland, Europe, and her most recent trip to Greece were just a few of her favorites. Alongside far away travels Elaine equally loved places closer to home. Trips to Door County with her bridge club, attending her book club, and most recently learning to play Mahjong. Throughout her life Elaine was blessed to have a close-knit group of friends. Marl Lake was always Elaine’s favorite place to be. Swimming, kayaking, or simply taking a nap on the deck with her best friend/husband Curtis. It held a special place in her heart and was filled with many memorable Fourth of July celebrations and family gatherings. Peace was found at the lake.

Elaine is survived by Curtis A. Nelson, her husband of 18 years; her children Juliet (Bill) Gardner, Timothy (Mary Jo) Bauer, her grandson Otto Bauer, their father Dennis Bauer (Jennifer), sister Linda Moser (Tom Erickson), sister-in-law Linda Hermes, and brother-in-law Les Stumpf. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bill Moser, sisters, Donna Moser and Fay Stumpf, and nephew Will Moser.

Visitation will be held at Maple Crest Funeral Home of Waupaca on Monday, January 31, 2022 from 12:00-2:30, followed by a brief Catholic service. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in the name of Elaine Nelson to extend help and support to causes she believed in. Stahl Funeral Home of Wautoma is assisting the family with arrangements.