Byron F Nelson 1946-2003

NELSON, QUIGLEY

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 10/8/2008 at 01:15:07

Sioux City Journal
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

TURIN, Iowa -- Byron F. "Nels" Nelson, 57, of Turin passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2003, at his residence.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. today at United Methodist Church in Turin, with the Rev. Chuck Layton officiating. There will a Masonic service conducted by Vesper Lodge 223 A.F. & A.M., with Steve Jewett as orator. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service in Onawa, Iowa.

Byron F. "Nels" Nelson was born Nov. 1, 1946, in Orange County, Calif., the son of Bud and Ethel (Quigley) Nelson. He graduated from West Monona High School in 1964 and joined the U.S. Navy in 1968.
His distinguished 33-year naval career included a tour of duty in Vietnam and an assignment as the command master chief aboard the USS Germantown during Operation Desert Storm. He served on 11 ships, graduated from the Naval Senior Enlisted Academy in 1986 and served as command master chief of Amphibious Group Three in San Diego, Calif. He received numerous awards and commendations and retired the most senior boatswain's mate in the Navy.

He is survived by his mother, Ethel Jane Nelson of Turin; a brother and his wife, David and Kim Nelson and their children of Moorhead, Iowa; a son, John "Bill" Nelson of San Diego, Calif.; four daughters, Lisa and her husband, Bart Heisterkamp of Blencoe, Iowa, Christy Christensen of Mondamin, Iowa, Lori and her husband, Sam Dube of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Brandye Lichty of San Diego; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bobbie Jo Nelson, and his father, Bud Nelson of Turin. Both had passed away earlier this year.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Conway, Marty Hamel, Harold Johnston, Kenneth McClure, Robert Nelson and Pat Sullivan.

He was a loving husband and father. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.