Mayo Hartley Nelson

May 4, 1930—June 29, 2025

Mayo passed away peacefully on June 29th at the age of 95 in Portland, Oregon. He was a beloved Father, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle and friend to many. He was a wonderful reflection of love and unwavering dedication to his family.

He was known for his fun nature and happy go lucky attitude. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He was quite the jokester, and he especially loved sharing Norwegian jokes with friends, family and strangers alike. He never met a stranger. His generous spirit and genuine enjoyment of life made him loved by most everyone he met.

Mayo was born and raised in North Dakota. He talked about the wonderful upbringing he had on the farm. He married Jordyce in 1953 and soon after, they moved to Colorado and later to Germany where Mayo was stationed at Schwaebisch Hall Army Base. After serving in the Army, Mayo and his young family moved to Oregon in 1960. In Oregon, he worked in the lumber business. He retired from Parr Lumber 36 years ago. He truly enjoyed his employment at Parr Lumber and his fellow employees. His retirement life was full—he made multiple trips over the years to North Dakota to visit his family there. He was well loved by his ND family and they always looked forward to and enjoyed his visits.

Mayo was a very kind hearted person who especially loved his children and grandchildren. He was always a fun Grandpa with a big smile. His laughter, smile and kindness will always be remembered fondly.

His neighbors and people in the community remember with fondness how he would hand out candy to the kids and recently it was a roll of pennies. He rode his bicycle all around the neighborhood usually with a radio strapped to the back playing country music.

Mayo will be dearly missed and he holds a special place in our hearts forever.

Mayo is survived by his son, Steve Nelson, daughters Kristi Davis, Kim (Steve) Barnett, and Sonja Kang, Grandchildren: Tara (Jeremy) Carlisle, Stephen (Diane) Barnett, Chris (Marilyn) Barnett, Corey Kang, Brandon Kang and Lyndsay (Logan) Headings Kang, Great Grandchildren: Jacob, Evan, Kailee, Stephen, Calvin, Emily, Jace and Kye.

Mayo is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Mayo is predeceased by his parents Hartley and Mabel Nelson, step Mother Florence Nelson, sisters and their husbands, Vivian (Gilmen) Hegland, Wanda (Orville) Paulson, Dallas (Verner) Erickson, brothers Wayne and Glenn Nelson, brother Jim and Anne Marie (sister in law) Nelson, and former wife Jordyce.