Jack Lewis Nelson, 89
Jack Lewis Nelson, 89, of Birdseye passed away at 12:33 a.m. on Good Friday, April 3, 2015, at home surrounded by his family.
Jack was born on November 4, 1925 in Birdseye Indiana,to Thomas and Mary (Ford) Nelson.
He married his wife of 62 years, Eileen Matilda Schnell, on March 10, 1951 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schnellville, Indiana. She preceded him in death on October 13, 2013.
Jack retired as a Petroleum Geologist from Chevron Oil Company after 27 years. He earned a masters degree in geology from Indiana University. He was a proud veteran, serving with the Merchant Marines in WWII and the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Korea.
He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schnellville. He was a member and past secretary of the American Legion Post #493 in St. Anthony, a member of the V.F.W Post #673 in Jasper, the Schnellville and Birdseye Conservation Clubs, and the Schnellville Community Club.
Jack was known for his generosity and giving of his time, talent, and resources. He enjoyed cutting and delivering firewood to anyone in need. He also loved gardening and woodworking. Whether on a cross-country drive, or a wagon ride through the woods, his greatest joy in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by six daughters, Jane Bromley and her husband Robert of Lubbock, Texas, Mary Hutchison and her husband Michael of Soldotna, Alaska, Margaret Reilly and her husband Mark of Palisade, Colo., Catherine Werner and her husband Steve of Boulder, Colo., Laura Ruud and her husband Eric of Sparks, Nev., and Teresa Kimminau and her husband Donald of Huntsville, Ala.; seven sons, David Nelson and his wife Julie of Mazomanie, Wis., Daniel Nelson and his wife Patricia of Midland, Texas, Joseph Nelson of Golden, Colo., Thomas Nelson of Jasper, Arnold Nelson and his wife Lynn of Kasilof, Alaska, John Nelson and his wife Jensen of Normandy Park, Wash., and Timothy Nelson and his wife Audra of Montgomery, Ind.; 56 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death besides his wife were brothers Thomas Nelson Jr., Craig Nelson, George Wheeler Nelson, and Woodrow Nelson, and sisters Kathleen Baxter and Dorothy Jackson.
Funeral services for Jack L. Nelson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schnellville, Indiana, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The St. Anthony American Legion Post #493 will conduct military gravesite rites.
Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2015, at the Becher-Kluesner North Chapel in Jasper and one hour before services at the church. Sacred Heart Church will pray a rosary at 1:45 p.m. on Monday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Dubois County Foundation – Jack and Eileen Nelson Memorial Endowment , or a favorite charity.
Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.
