Neil Paul Nelson 81, of La Crosse passed away Friday, April 9th at Hillview Health Care Center after a brief illness.

He was born on March 17, 1940 in Caledonia, MN to Leo and Evelyn Harpstreith. Neil attended school in La Crosse and after graduating moved to the Milwaukee / Racine area, working for Racine Steel and later retiring from Pelton Steel after an industrial accident. In retirement he accepted a part-time job at a parking lot across the street from Summerfest, he loved the social aspect of the job and made many friends.

Neil met and married Patricia Pellinen and together they had one son, Stephen. Neil loved motorcycles and raced tracks in the Midwest; he especially enjoyed Santa Fe Speedway near Chicago. He gave up racing and settled into family life, going up north fishing and canoeing. They also enjoyed the casinos around Milwaukee and the many trips to Las Vegas. In retirement he enjoyed wood and metalworking and together with Pat they sold crafts at local flea markets. Neil moved to La Crosse in December to be closer to family.

Neil is survived by his brothers Ted (Mercy) of Trempealeau, Terry (Phyllis), sister Sandy (Bruce), sister-in-law Deanna Harpstreith , aunt Arleen Baker, all of La Crosse, along with nieces, nephew and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Pat, son Stephen and brother Leo “Mike” Harpstreith.

Services will be 11am Thursday, April 22nd at Coulee Cremation Group; due to Covid 19 it will be limited to immediate family. A celebration of life will be held later this summer.

We would like to thank the staff at Hillview for their care and compassion during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to https://www.caninecupids.org or your favorite charity.