Frederick Nels Nelson

Reverend Frederick Nels Nelson, 105, of Naples, FL, went peacefully to The Lord on December 19, 2014. Dr. Nelson was born in Arvika, Sweden, and emigrated with his family to Mt. Vernon, NY, in 1913, a year after the Titanic sank. Dr. Nelson’s early childhood was spent in Mt. Vernon, he received a BA degree from Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn., and a BD from Garret Seminary at Northwestern U. He was ordained in the Congregational Church while pastor of the Marion, Iowa Congregational Church. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Piedmont College for distinguished ministry as pastor of Miami Shores Community Church, FL. Dr. Nelson served as a Navy Chaplain during WWII in New Guinea, Australia, and the Philippines, attaining the rank of Lt. Cmdr. While serving a church in Indiana, he met the love of his life, Ireene Nancy Lukasik, and they were married for 62 years. Dr. Nelson is survived by his son, Norman F. Nelson, St. Augustine, FL, his daughters Cindy (Stanley Bogdan), Flowery Branch, GA, and Kathy (Paul Lindabury), Naples, FL, 5 grandchildren: Kim (Scott), Chris (Christie), Peter, Tara (Eric), Justin (Megan), and 5 great grandchildren: Sydney, Kaylee, Zachary, Elias and Josie. Dr. Nelson served as Senior Minister at Congregational Churches in Miami Shores, FL, and Windermere, FL, and was the founding Minister of the United Church of Christ in Boca Raton, FL, and the United Church of Christ in Naples, FL. Dr. Nelson served as Chairman of the FL UCC Bd. of Trustees and the President of the FL UCC Conference. Upon retirement, Dr. Nelson served as Chaplain at Piedmont College, Demorest, GA. Fred and Ireene enjoyed their post ministerial years in central FL, Naples, FL, and Franklin, NC. A Memorial Service will be held at Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton, Rd., Naples, FL 34103, at 3 PM on Jan 18, 2015. Donations may be made to Naples UCC.