NELSON ANDREW LENT

NELSON ANDREW LENT

     Nelson Andrew Lent, 84, died Aug. 9, 2024, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. 

     Nelson was born in Hayward, WI, Oct. 21, 1939, to Louise and Dewey Lent. He started his 46-year career in radio there at WHSM in 1959. In 1960, he moved to Rice Lake, WI, and worked for WJMC. From there, he went to Eagle River, WI, and became the first voice heard on the station when it signed-on for the first time May 23, 1961. There he met his wife of 57 years, Mary. They were married in May of 1963. After they married, Nelson attended Brown Institute and received his first class license for engineering. In 1963, they moved to Black River Falls where he started working at WWIS-AM as their engineer and on-air announcer. In 1968 he became general manager. Nelson is perhaps best remembered as the voice of the Buy Line program.

     They were “just passing through,” but 42 years later Nelson retired in February 2005. 

     Nelson, better known to his friends as Nelly, loved being outside, fishing and going for car rides on the East Side with his dog. He also looked forward to Wednesday “board meetings” at the “office” with the boys…I mean fellow board members.

     Survivors include daughter Heidi of Eau Claire, son Eric of Black River Falls, and his beloved dog, Rae. 

     He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and William Sands of Hayward.

     Memorials can be directed to Interfaith Volunteers or the Jackson County Animal Shelter.

    Nelson did not wish to have a service or funeral, so none is planned at this time.