Chris Nelsen (1878-1948)

NELSEN

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/26/2008 at 17:12:37

Chris Nelsen
Sep 30, 1878 - Aug 16, 1948

Chris Nelsen, 69, owner of Nelsen’s Pool hall in Avoca died at hospital in Council Bluffs Monday night after many years of illness.

Mr. Nelsen, who would have been seventy years of age if he had lived until September 30 was born in Nykjobing, Denmark and emigrated to the United States in 1903 locating in Avoca. He worked as a farm hand for several years, and when World War I broke out, he enlisted for overseas service. It was not until several attempts had been made to enlist that officials were induced to accept him in the services because of his advanced age which at that time was 38. He was a member of Co. L 108 Reg of the Rainbow Division, and saw service in the battles of Alsace-Lorraine, San Mihiel and Chatteau Thiery where he was gassed and injured. An account at that time of his injuries said:
“He was injured at chateau Thiery September 12. A sniper hit his cartridge belt exploding ten shells which tore a great hole in his right side. He laid in a shell hole for about an hour, then crawling out to find a first aid helper when a German machine gun was turned loose on him, hitting him in both legs, the right hand and the lower part of both hips. Following this he was confined to a hospital in France for eight months.”

Upon his return to the US he was in a hospital in Virginia, then sent to Camp Dodge, Des Moines where he received his final honorable discharge in March of 1919. These desperate injuries have accounted for his semi-invalid condition much of his lifetime since.

Upon return to Avoca, he purchased the pool hall owned by James Holm on the east side of Main Street. Later, he disposed of this, and moved to Pella, where he ran a picture show then moved to Des Moines. Finally, in 1932, he returned to Avoca and bought the business which he continued to run until the time of his death.

Mr. Nelsen was united in marriage to Eunice Letner of Avoca September 26, 1925. He is survived by his widow, a son, George, and a daughter, Mrs. Betty Jacobsen, both of Avoca, a stepson Samuel Goss, of Penquilly, Minnesota, a step-daughter, Mrs. Eunice Beymer of Gelendale, California; a sister, Mrs. John Erickson of Santa Rosa, California and several cousins in this vicinity.

Funeral services were held at the Blust-Berthusen funeral home this afternoon (Thursday) at 2 pm with the Rev Irving N. Tange of Shelby in charge.

Burial was in Graceland cemetery with I.O.O.F and American Legion services at the graveside.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald