Robert Melvin Nelson

Robert (Bob) Melvin Nelson died in peace at home, surrounded by his loving family, Saturday, March 10th, 2012. He was 85 years old. Bob was born, August 6th, 1926, to Harold and Florence (Kulas) Nelson, in Chicago, Illinois. They later settled in Winona, Minnesota. Bob was the oldest of five children. In 1943, he dropped out of High School and joined the Navy to fight for our country in WW II. After the war, Bob received his High School diploma and attended St. Mary’s college in Winona where he majored in Forestry.

He married Marialice Petty, also from Winona, May 29th, 1948. They moved out to Washington State where they first lived near Spirit Lake on Mt. St. Helen’s. Bob was employed as a logger. Son Patrick was born, June 19th, 1949. They moved to McCleary where Bob worked in a sawmill. Son Paul was born, December 24th, 1951. They moved to Fall City and Bob took the sawyer job at Davis Mill in Carnation. Son Pete was born May 9th, 1954 and shortly thereafter, the family moved to Carnation where Bob lived for the past 57 years. Daughter Peggy was born, June 10th, 1957; son John was born in November 1958, he died 4 days later. Son Michael was born, April 8th, 1960. After Bob’s sawmill days, he retired from Carnation Farms where he was Head Herdsman on Bull Hill; this was his favorite job (he loved animals).

Bob was an active member of the American Legion in Carnation. He was also an active member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Carnation where he recently received a plaque in gratitude for his 56 years of service. They re-named the “Men’s Sausage Breakfast” to the “Bob Nelson Sausage Breakfast.”

Bob loved to go fishing, whether it was salmon fishing in Alaska or sunfish in the Mississippi River back home. He also enjoyed sports, especially watching the Mariners play baseball. There were many things he enjoyed; playing cards, scrabble, and he was a whiz at the crossword puzzles. Most of all, he loved his family!

He is survived by four sons: Pat (Julie), Paul (Rita), Pete (Janice), Michael and one daughter Peggy; 12 Grandchildren (Kristine, Andrew, Paul, Tracy, Robin, Ken, Mac, Myriah, Elisa, Donnie, Teanna and Joe) and 4 Great grandchildren (Blake, Gracyn, Anna, Avery).

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mari (married 61 years), Mother Florence Nelson, Father Harold Nelson, Sister Betty Schwanke, Brother Tom Nelson and Son John Nelson.

Bob is also survived by his Brothers, Bill (Florence) Nelson, Winona, MN, and Chuck (Ginny) Nelson, Millington, TN, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Bob would tell you himself that the most loyal friend he ever had is Ken Heuberger who helped take care of him almost daily these past few months. On behalf of his family with love and gratitude, we will be eternally grateful.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00am, Saturday, March 17th, 2012 @ St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Carnation. Reception immediately following. Contributions may be made to the St Anthony's Mens Club or St Anthony's Relief Fund.