Glenn L. Nelson, 1924-2006

NELSON, CLOW

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 8/11/2008 at 06:33:10

Glenn LeRoy Nelson, the son of Nels and Gertrude Clow Nelson, was born March 24, 1924, in Archer, Iowa. His family moved to Sheldon in 1930. He graduated from Sheldon High School in 1941.

He began working for the Milwaukee Railroad in 1942, but after a few months, joined the U.S. Navy. He served as radiomen on a TBM Avenger in Torpedo Squadron 17 aboard the USS Homet (CV12). He received 9 combat air crewman stars, the Asia Pacific ribbon, two bronze stars, three Air Medals, and the Distinguished Flying Cross of service in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, including action against the Japanese fleet where his plane scored a torpedo hi on IJN Yamato.

Returning to civilian life, he resumed working as a railroad agent. On October 27, 1945, he married Lorene H. Bethke of Hartley. In their early married life, they lived in various towns in Iowa and South Dakota between Rapid City and the Mississippi river. In 1962, they moved to Sheldon, Iowa and remained for eight years before moving to Spencer in 1970 where they both spent the rest of their lives.

Mr. Nelson passed away at the Longhouse Residence in Spencer on January 1, 2006 at the age of 81. He was preceeded in death by his parents, his brother William E. and his wife, Lorene.

He is survived by his son and his wife, James L. and Julie of Jacksonville, Florida; 3 grandchildren: Morgan G. Ruvolo of West Palm Beach, Florida and Maximilian A. and Byron P. Nelson of Jacksonville, Florida and many good friends and relatives.

Interment in Riverside cemetery