NELSON, Charles Jay 1926-2017

NELSON, SAMBERG, BARGER

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 3/20/2017 at 10:41:53

Services:
Saturday February 25 at Unity Presbyterian Church, 1149 Hammond Ave, Waterloo

Visitation:
Friday February 24, 2017 with a 7:00 PM Masonic Service by Martin Lodge 624 at Locke Funeral Home

Cemetery:
Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors by Iowa Army National Guard Honor Guard, VFW Post 1623 and American Legion Post 138

Biography--

Charles Jay Nelson, 90, of Waterloo, Iowa, died Sunday, February 19, 2017 at UnityPoint Health—Allen Hospital of natural causes.

Charles was born on July 24, 1926 in Boone, Iowa, the son of Lottie L. Samberg Nelson.

He graduated from Boone High School in 1944 and then served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He attended Boone Junior College and then graduated from Iowa State Teachers College, now University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

He married Mary Louise Barger July 19, 1949, in Rock Island, Illinois. They lived in Mobile, Illinois and Boone, Cedar Falls and Clarksville, Iowa, before moving to Waterloo in 1955. Mary died January 14, 2006.

He taught industrial arts and driver’s education in Clarksville before moving to Waterloo to work for John Deere. After 26 years of service, he retired in 1982 as a Senior Engineering Analyst.

Charles was a charter member of St. Andrews Presbyterian, now Unity Presbyterian Church. He was an active member of Martin Lodge 624 A.F. & A.M.; a lifetime member of American Legion Post 138 and VFW Post 1623; current Secretary Treasurer and past President for High Twelve #46; and member of John Deere Supervisors Club. Charles was active in Cub and Boy Scouts as his sons grew up and had received Father of the Year award.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, attending High Twelve and Masonic Lodge meetings, visiting with friends at the John Deere Supervisors Club; and on occasion eating his favorite fast food at McDonald’s.

He is survived by a son, Donald Nelson of Waterloo; daughter in law, Brenda Nelson of Waterloo; three granddaughters and their spouses: Jennifer and Nick Decker of Cedar Rapids, Brooke and Josh Decker of Denver, Iowa, and Beth and Hieu Nguyen of Waterloo; and seven great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Chase, Adeline, Natalie, Cora, Charlotte, Matthew, and one great-grandson on the way.

Charles is preceded in death by his mother; wife; and a son, Jay Nelson.

Source: Locke Funeral home website