Loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, Kevin C. Nelson, 63, of Brighton, passed away after a valiant fight with cancer on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Aurora Medical Center – Kenosha surrounded by his loving family. Born in Kenosha on August 14, 1957, he was the son of the late C. Richard “Dick” and June (Glacken) Nelson. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was educated in local schools. He graduated from UW Parkside and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. On August 4, 2020, he married Deanna Hertrich. Kevin dedicated his life's work to the care and welfare of all creatures great and small. He partnered with Bristol Veterinary Service in 1985; mainly focusing on large animals, performance horses, pleasure horses, food animals, 4H projects and any barnyard friend that needed assistance. However, his passion was for exotic animals and he served the Racine Zoo as veterinarian for over 30 years, treating everything from the largest cats to the tiniest of reptiles. He served as veterinarian for the Wisconsin State Fair, Racine County Fair, and assisted at Kenosha County Fair. In 2007, he was awarded the WVMA Veterinarian of The Year. Kevin cared for every patient and client with utmost compassion, dignity, and respect. Kevin was an avid lover of the outdoors and all things nature. Growing up in scouting and earning Eagle Scout; his peace came in spending time enjoying and celebrating the beauty of nature and all her creatures. In his youth he devoted his time to raising and training racing pigeons. His solace could be found hiking through the forests, paddling on the water, fly fishing or just watching the beauty of a sunset. He frequented many national, state and county parks, spending time on Lake of The Woods Canada and Door County Wisconsin. Football was also a huge passion for Kevin; pledging loyalty to his Packers, rarely a game missed. However, the heart of Kevin’s love, devotion and soul was given to his family. He labored hard to create a secure life and home for them; though he worked long days, once home family was all that mattered. His joy came from watching his pride and joy Nathan grow, spending time with him at sporting events, school activities, home projects and hobbies or simply going fishing. His devotion and endless love to his life partner and wife Deanna was immeasurable, supporting her in all her dreams and adventures. His family grieves greatly for his loss but celebrates and cherishes the time they had; memories made, and love shared. So many lives were made brighter through knowing Kevin; family, friends, clients, and the creatures he lovingly cared for. His loss is profound to all who knew him. In celebrating his love, kindness and devotion, his legacy will live forever. Surviving Kevin is his wife, Deanna; son, Nathan; brother, Scott (Kathie) Nelson; nieces and nephews, Rachel (Aaron Skidmore) Nelson, Capt Aaron Nelson, USAF, Ret. (Maj Mary Catherine Nelson, USAF), Melissa Johansen, and Kristen Johansen; mother-in-law, Evelyn Hertrich; sister-in-law, Denise (Jeff) Johansen; brother-in-law, Donald Hertrich; and is further survived by other relatives and many friends. Aside from his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, John Hertrich; and a brother-in-law, Dennis Hertrich. Celebration of a beautiful life - Kevin Charles Nelson DVM, Racine ZOO, Racine WI, July 30th, 5:30pm until 8:00pm Please join us in friendship and love while remembering and celebrating a beautiful life lived - Kevin Charles Nelson DVM. Racine Zoo has graciously offered to host this event, please RSVP via E-mail your name and the names of anyone in your party to asummers@racinezoo.org by July 18th. Please continue to check the events page on facebook for further information and updates In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the family Kevin so loved would be appreciated. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory 5111-60th Street Kenosha, WI 53144 Phone: (262) 654-3533 Visit & Sign Kevin’s Online Memorial Book at: www.prokofuneralhome.com