Vernon Leroy Nelson

Vernon Leroy Nelson, 78, of Soap Lake, WA died peacefully on Saturday, March 31, 2012 in Monroe, WA

surrounded by his family.

The youngest of five children, Vern was born to John and Francis Nelson in Williston, North Dakota on

January 16, 1934.

The farming family left North Dakota in 1943 and relocated to Burlington, WA. After spending several years

in the dairy farming business with his brothers, Vern changed trades and became a builder in the greater Seattle area.

Vern married his wife of 58 years, Donna Georgine Moen on December 10, 1954 and together they raised five children, Vernon Carl, George Wallace, Dana Lynn, Thomas Gregory and John August.

Three of the boys followed in their Dad's footsteps and took up the building trade. Vern and Donna relocated to Soap Lake in 1991 where Vern continued to build throughout the area, even while receiving cancer treatments over the past year.

Vern enjoyed spending time with his large family and was always eager to play cards, golf, travel, joke around with the family members and drive around in his little truck, "Old Red". Vern was preceded in death by his sister, Marian; and his granddaughter, Brigetta Rose.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of Soap Lake; their children and spouses, Vern and Karla of Sultan, WA, George and Lynne of Chelan, WA, Dana and Jeff of Monroe, WA, Thomas and Linda of Bothell, WA, and John and Angie of Monroe, WA; 13 grandchildren, Leah, Lola, Lane, Vern Jr, Julie, Jillian, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Brianna, Amanda, Christopher, Jessica and Thomas; and three great grandchildren, Waylon, Scarlett and Weston. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews; and three of his siblings, Archie, Raymond and Alma.

Vern's ready smile and cheerful countenance and positive outlook on life will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.

A celebration of Vern's life will take place over Memorial Day weekend at his daughter's home in Soap Lake.