Gary Lee Nelson

Gary Nelson gifted everyone he met with instant warmth, acceptance, and unconditional love. His presence made our world a softer place. This man never had a harsh word to say about anyone. Even when we really deserved it. We are all so sad we had to let him go. He left this world on October 18th, 2022.

Fun fact, Gary loved washing other people's cars. This makes sense when you know his birthplace. His 78 years started on August 19th, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan. He was born to Raymond & Isla Nelson and later, had to share them with his baby brother, Brad. They grew up together in Lake Crystal, Minnesota.

All of Gary's hobbies had something to do with serving others. He was very involved in his church, and local homeless shelter, and visiting the isolated who needed that trademark Gary smile and hug so very much. And good luck to anyone who tried to keep up with him doing chores. Even well into his 70's he could outwork us all.

He was absolutely devoted to his family. His 4 children, Derek (Deanna), Nate, Nick (Layci) and Jillian (Lorin Seeks) will benefit for their lifetimes, having had a dad who fully supported them. He was always at all of the games, events, and milestone moments. He never left them guessing if he was proud of them or how much he loved them. When all of the grandkids started coming along, he somehow was there just as much for Burke, Levi, Judah, Lewis, Peter, Isla and Bodhi.

The example he set for almost 54 years, as a husband to the love of his life, best friend and University of Minnesota sweetheart Rosalyn, is the stuff they write novels about. His care and partnership were a steadying force, so much so that Rosie still calls him her rock.

Gary spent most of his career serving others as a pharmacist for the Indian Health Service in Toppenish, Washington.

Gary and Rosie both spent their early life in Minnesota. Before transferring to UofM, where he met Rosie, he went to undergrad at Gustavus Adolphus College. Gary leaves behind many loving friends and family in Minnesota.

He also impacted many lives in Boston, MA, Sisseton, SD, and Bellevue, WA before the growing Nelson family landed in Yakima WA in 1975.

While Gary's absence is profoundly felt, his legacy lives on through the many he made feel welcome, seen, and loved without condition. Put simply, Gary loved God and he loved people. He showed us all a picture of what a life with Christ in the center looks like in action.

We miss him dearly, but as 2 of his grandkids independently remarked, we are confident he is "having so much fun in heaven!". We love you, Gary. We will all do our best to love like Jesus and keep making you proud.

A visitation for Gary will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902. A graveside service will occur Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, 3001 Terrace Heights Dr, Yakima, WA 98901. A memorial service will occur Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 7809 Tieton Dr., Yakima, WA 98908.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Nelson family. Memorials can be made to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Life Choices & Camp Hope.