Milton Milt W Nelson

Milton Willard Nelson “Grandpa” passed away on February 10, 2011 at the age of 83. He was surrounded by his children and family at the Encore Senior Village and Memory Care, Gresham, Oregon where he had lived for the past five years.

Milt was born October 28, 1927 in Waubay, SD to Gertrude and Leif Nelson. The family moved to the Portland area where he spent most of his life. At the age of 17 Milt proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at the end of World War II in Japan. On February 9, 1950 Milt married Phyllis Jean Peake. They had six children and enjoyed camping, off road racing and spending time at a cabin they built at Three Rivers in Central Oregon. Sadly, Phyllis passed away in 1981. Milt was set up on a blind date by one of his daughters and met Eunice Weishaar, they were married in 1983 and spent many happy years traveling together until her death in 1999.

Milt had a strong work ethic and retired from Albina Pipe Bending and was a member of UA Local 290 for 35 years. He loved hunting, fishing, bowling and after retirement took up golf.

Survivors include his sister Lucille Stiger; children Connie Hetterly, Cindy (Wayne) Palmer, Martin (Lisa) Nelson, Caren (Randal) Nelson, Michael Nelson and Milton (Norma) Nelson all from the Portland area. Stepson Duane (Barb) Weishaar of Redmond and stepdaughter Cheryl (Terry) Dawes of Portland. Grandchildren Aaron and Brandi Hetterly, Leif and Hillary Palmer, Amanda and Samantha Nelson, Randy Nelson, Megan Nelson, Dixie and Daniel Nelson, Tracy Davis, Jessie Keller, Michael Dawes and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Florence Goolsby, Gladys “Hap” Martin, Joyce Manougian, Avenella Nelson, son-in-law Errol Hetterly, and grandson Ryan Palmer.

Military burial at Willamette National at 3:00 on Friday, February 18. Per his request there will be no reception following the service. In lieu of flowers remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Serenity Hospice.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.