William (Bill) Irving Nelson, age 72, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away on July 15, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
Bill was born on September 27, 1950 to Irving and Bernadine (Fanzlaw) Nelson in Gary, IN.  After Bill graduated from Portage High School in 1968, he started his career at Midwest Steel and then joined the U.S. Army and served 2 tours in Vietnam as a Crew Chief in the 17th Air Cavalry.  He was an enlisted man decorated with valor who served his country honorably.
After returning from the service, he resumed his career at Midwest Steel and retired after 42 years in the Steel Mill industry.
In 2004, Bill married Marsha (Petretta) and they resided in Valparaiso, IN until he passed.
Bill enjoyed fishing, boating, SCUBA diving, motorcycling, woodworking and he was a champion Menards rebate specialist as well as an arm wrestling champion.
Bill was preceded in death by his Mother Bernadine, Father Irving and his daughter Shannon (Jeffries). He is survived by his loving wife, Marsha, son Christopher and daughter Connie from previous marriages, 5 grandchildren, brothers Jim (Rhonda), David (Mary), Tom (Darlene), sisters Diane (Dave) Maynard, Joanne (Larry) Carpenter and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service for Bill will take place Friday, July 21, 2023, at 4:00 PM at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. For more information please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a Military Veteran Charity or Cancer Charity "In memory of Bill Nelson".