In loving memory of

Tiffany Kay Nelson
May 28, 1967 - August 25, 2014

McFarland- Tiffany Kay Nelson, age 47, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, August 25, 2014, following a brief illness. She was born in Eau Claire on May 28, 1967. Tiffany graduated from McFarland High School in 1985. She attended the UW-Madison and received bachelor degrees in genetics and bacteriology. Tiffany continued her education at UW-Madison earning a Masters degree in bacteriology. During her graduate studies Tiffany developed a bacteria growth gel, that she named "Tif agar" that is still used at the UW today. Tiffany continued her work as a research assistant and specialist at the UW until 1994. She worked as Sales Representatives for Eppendorf Scientific and Datex-Ohmeda for several years, and then worked at Harmony Living Center in McFarland for 10 years. Tiffany enjoyed her flower gardens, anything that had to do with water including floating in her pool and vacations at the beach. She loved animals especially her kitties, and spending time with her fiancé Dennis, her friends and visits from Mom and Tom. Tiffany is survived by her mother and step-dad, Claudette (Tom) Kersten; fiancé, Dennis Dooley; aunts, Marlene (Greg) Kitchner and Jann (Deb Obermeyer) Nelson, Kris Squires, Cindy (Rick) Schmidt, uncle, Mark (Janet) Nelson, Jeff Nelson; grandfather, Delos Nelson; many extended relatives; and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clyde and Kay Nelson and Dorothy Nelson; and aunt, Laurel Nelson. A Celebration of Tiffany's life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Cress Funeral Home in McFarland. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, with services starting at 3:00 PM. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of the donor's choice or Northwoods Humane Society, 10812 N O'Brien Hill Rd., Hayward, WI 54843 . The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Meriter Hospital ICU. Please share your memories at: www.CressFuneralService.com.

Cress Funeral Service
5801 Highway 51
McFarland, WI 53558
(608) 838-0655

Tributes

Dennis Dooley wrote on Sep 25, 2014:

"A month ago I lost my lady, my love, my best friend, and the depth of the loss is crippling! She made me feel so loved and special, and her smile when she saw me was amazing, and always made me thankful that I was her man. The only saving grace, is that I know she is not suffering, and has received the greatest gift of all! Heaven and I will never be the same now that she is there! Rest in peace my sweetheart... until we are together again!"

Mom wrote on Sep 23, 2014:

"We miss you our hearts ache our lives will never be the same. "

Wendy Wilcox wrote on Sep 18, 2014:

"I remember meeting Tiffany in 7th grade when she came to McFarland and we discovered our mutual love of nature. We would walk along the railroad tracks near the Green Lantern to the two trestles with water to catch any number of creatures including turtles, snakes, toads, frogs, etc. Then we would bring them back to the beautiful backyard (including a pond!) that Tom had created and would hope that they stayed so we could watch them. I now have a pond next to me with beautiful wildlife and will think of Tiffany when I see them all and know that she is at peace. Love Always, Wendy"

Jim & Marilyn Neese wrote on Sep 10, 2014:

"As her neighbor, co-work and good friend for over twenty years I and my wife Marilyn will miss her dearly."

Sherry wrote on Sep 9, 2014:

"I have so much to say but no words except I love you,Tiff. I will never forget your eyes, your laugh, your smile. Most of all your heart. God blessed me with your friendship and for that I will forever be thankful. Love you, Gemini... "

Kelly Hargraves Papineau wrote on Sep 9, 2014:

"I found out yesterday and it is so sad for me and anyone else who was fortunate enough to be in her world. Tiffany was my friend back when we were just figuring out life... the college and post college years. Somehow we lost touch... I wish I could have said good bye. I keep hearing her voice giving me a hard time and laughing with me. I will never forget you Tiffany. How incredible you are. Brilliant, open minded, giving, funny, crazy, eccentric, talented, good hearted.... I could go on and on. You, Tif are an ORIGINAL and those who were lucky enough to be your friend will forever hold you in their heart like I will. Love always to you my girl! from Kelly"

Marlene Kitchner wrote on Sep 8, 2014:

"when Tif was about four years old somehow she got a pussy willow stuck up her nose. Her mom and I took her to emergency telling her that I would take it out and no way was she going to let the doctor do it. Well, her scream could be heard a mile away when she realized that we tricked her. All my love Tif, I will really miss you. Love, Aunt Mar"

Marc Panvier wrote on Sep 8, 2014:

"Lots of smiles, laughs and life . A very good heart, optimistic. Taught me with a lot of fun part of the job, stuff that was in the books, that i should have known, and also a whole bunch of new English words ,that were not in the books ! Thanks Tiff for all that. So thankful . Marc, both 5000 miles and 20 years away, and very sad"

Tom Freye wrote on Sep 7, 2014:

"Smart, driven, appreciative, a room busting falsetto laugher of joy that will be sorely missed. "