Bernard A. Nelson 1922-2007

SONNENBERG, MARTENS, NELSON, GROCHOLSKI, HAMILTON

Posted By: N. Wagner (email)
Date: 11/9/2007 at 08:35:31

Bernard A. Nelson, 84, of Oelwein, Iowa, died at his home Sunday evening, Oct. 28, 2007, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Nov.1, at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, with full military rites conducted by Ross Reid American Legion Post 9.

Geilenfeld Funeral Home, Oelwein, was in charge of arrangements.

Bernard Anton "Barney" Nelson was born Dec. 21, 1922, in Oelwein. He was the son of Anton Bernard and Mary (Sonnenberg) Nelson.

Bernard grew up in Oelwein, graduated from Oelwein Community High School in 1940, and attended Wartburg College.

When World War II began, Bernard joined the Air Transport Command with Eastern Airlines, flying to South America, and later the Merchant Marines, where he made numerous trips to England. In 1948, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and later served in Korea.

On June 11, 1950, Bernard was united in marriage with Adelia Marie "Dee" Martens at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein. He worked for over 40 years with Interstate Power Co. in Oelwein, retiring as operation manager in 1986.

Baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein, Bernard was a lifelong member. He was very active in his church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and a deacon; singing in the church choir, including many solos; and serving on various committees.

Active in the community, Bernard taught first aid and served on the South Fayette Red Cross Board for over 20 years; he was chairman for five of those years. He also helped with the United Way, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Bernard was a member of the American Legion and VFW in Oelwein.

He loved to play bridge, earning master and bronze membership in Duplicate Bridge. He enjoyed going to the lakes fishing with his family, traveling, and for the last 20 years, wintering in San Juan, Texas. Barney was a regular fan of the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes and the Minnesota Vikings. The telephone lines were always busy with the boys and friends during the games.

Barney put up a terrific struggle with melanoma. He will always be remembered as a fun-loving, gentle husband and father. He will be greatly missed by his devoted family and friends.

Preceding Bernard in death were his parents, Anton and Mary; a brother, Leroy Nelson; a brother-in-law, James Hamilton; and a sister-in-law, Jean Nelson.

He is survived by Dee, his wife of 57 years; three sons, Steven (Linda) Nelson of Denver, Colo., William (Denise) Nelson of West Union, and James (Ruth) Nelson of Clinton; eight grandsons, Chris Nelson, Ben Nelson, Bill Nelson, Andrew Nelson, Peter Nelson, Tom Nelson and Chris Grocholski; two granddaughters, Kerry Nelson and Cassie Nelson; and two great-grandchildren, Abigail and Spencer.

Bernard is also survived by a sister, Elaine Hamilton of Hiawatha, formerly of Maynard; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial fund has been established for Hospice (a great, caring organization), Cancer Research, and Zion Lutheran Church.

Fayette County Union, November 6, 2007