I met Nellie (and Rose) when I was 14 at Terry parents on a Saturday.  I later learned that they didn’t just happen to be there when I was there that day—Rather--this was a weekly tradition! 
It seemed strange to me as I didn’t have any Aunts or Uncles that lived near us so couldn’t imagine seeing my Aunt and Uncle every week (Terry and Roger were so lucky I thought!).  This was their tradition which continued until Nellie and Rose couldn’t make it in as often.  

I grew to understand that there was something special about this tradition.  What looked like simple, no nonsense visits each week were actually something very significant and special, and somewhere along the way I came to understand that!

I learned from Nellie a level of loyalty and commitment that I can’t say I’d ever seen before—I saw it mostly through the interaction in this weekly tradition at his sister Judy (and Ted’s) house. Through the years I also saw it in all his close relationships---Rose, his mom and dad, his kids and their spouses, and of course his grandkids. He always treated me like I was part of his extended family and I am so fortunate to have known him.  

Watching my husband (Terry), maintain that connection all these years says so much about Nellie and Rose and how special they are to Terry and me!  He will be (and already is) greatly missed!

Maggie

Rose, Warren, Wayne and family--
I am so sorry for your loss and send you my love and prayers!

I have such great memories of Nellie!—I remember being very young and Nellie, Rose and the boys would come to our house every weekend-- it was so much fun hearing the adults talk and getting lunch each week.  Through the years, this tradition continued and Nellie always had a smile while he engaged in his usual, quiet, caring manner.  Conversations about food, kids, work, airplanes, grandkids, and of course--where they would go that weekend to find old records or get a good deal on whatever they were looking for at the time. I guess you’d call it shooting the sh&%!

Other great memories include, golfing together, and wonderful vacations at Prairie Lake. 

I am so glad that I was able to spend time with him at the end and was able to continue the tradition of shooting the sh&% with Nellie, Rose and my brother Roger.  I miss him a lot already and can’t imagine a better uncle anywhere!

Terry

Gearhart Funeral Home

Roger Nelson

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Roger W. Nelson

9 April, 1946 – 23 July, 2020

Gearhart Funeral Home

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