Robert V. NELSON

NELSON, HEFTE, ELLINGSTON, BRADY, WILSON, BITTLE, DRAPER, BAILEY, CHRISTENSON, HOPKEY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/29/2006 at 10:39:37

Robert V. Nelson, 86, longtime Belmond resident, died November 29, 2006 at Wright Medical Center in Clarion. Services were held December 2 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Rev. Lowell Halvorson officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Robert, the son of Martin and Caroline (Hefte) Nelson, was born October 2, 1920 on his parents' farm near Hayfield, the 8th of 14 children. He graduated from Hayfield High School in 1938. He married Bernice Ellingston on April 25, 1942 at the Lutheran parsonage in Belmond. Bob was a life-long farmer who received great joy working the land and caring for animals, including his horses and ponies. In later years he could be found helping his nephews drive farm machinery, assisting in other tasks, or checking up on planting and harvesting chores. Bob was dedicated to area AA programs, helped organize meetings, and was never shy in reaching out to others who needed support. He was very proud of being sober for over 48 years. He was a long-time member of St. Olaf where he served in various capacities. He had been a leading member of the church's annual chicken barbeque fundraiser. Bob's family was very important to him, and he looked forward to family gatherings, spending time with family on the farm, and attending his grand and great grandchildren's activities. He enjoyed coffee with the gang at the hardware store.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 2004; an infant son Mark Allen; two infant daughters; brothers Marson, Milo, Clair and Martin, Jr.; and sisters Sadie Brady, Marjorie Nelson and Alma Wilson. Survivors include son Robert D. (Charlene) Nelson of Belmond; granddaughter Marietta (Brad) Bittle and their children Ian Bradford, Maeve Catherine and Caroline Joy all of Chesapeake, VA; grandson Matthew (Christina) Nelson and their children Aaron Robert, Marcus Michael and Abigail Lorraine Nelson all of Belmond; brothers Dale (Duann) Nelson of Santa Barbara, Harold (Doris) Nelson of Belmond, and Roger (Barbara) Nelson of Santa Barbara; sister Velva Draper of Las Vegas; and brothers and sisters-in-law Keith Bailey of Tacoma, WA, Eunice (Lloyd) Christenson, Avis Hopkey, Opal Ellingston and Ray (Becky) Ellingston, all of Belmond.

November 30, 2006
©Belmond Independent 2006