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Merle Nelson Obituary
He was born Nov. 28, 1937, in Boone, Iowa, to the late Theodore and Marie Nelson.
He graduated from Boone High School in 1956 and from Trinity Bible College in Chicago in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in education. He served in the Iowa National Guard in 1956, then transferred to the 5th Army Reserve, serving from 1956 to 1963.
He met Pauline Carlson in college, married in Kearney, Neb., on June 25, 1960, and modeled a wonderful, loving marriage for nearly 51 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who positively impacted all who knew him.
He enjoyed teaching science and industrial arts at Cary Junior High School in Cary from 1961 to 1993. He took a one year sabbatical to attend the American Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem, Israel, from 1966 to 1967.
In 1970, he began serving in the summer at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp in Pembine. Since then, the family spent their summers at the Bible camp and at the cabin he built across the lake. For 40 years, he served at the camp wherever needed: lifeguard, nature instructor, Bible teacher, maintenance, and kitchen crew. He also initiated and led many of the camp's early adventure trips, such as fishing in Ontario, hiking Isle Royale National Park, and biking to Mackinac Island. Most recently, he served on the camp's board of directors.
He also was actively involved in local church ministries because he loved God and cared for people. He was a youth group leader, Sunday school teacher, choir member and deacon at Cary-Grove Evangelical Free Church in Cary. Since his retirement and permanent move to Pembine in 1994, he remained active in church ministries and helped start Northwoods Chapel in Pembine.
In retirement, he was a substitute teacher at the Pembine school for 14 years and a member of the local rescue squad for 10 years. Perhaps what brought the most enjoyment were organizing and leading mission teams to the Philippines and Jamaica and annual Canadian fishing trips with family and friends.
In addition to his beloved wife, Pauline, he is survived by their four children, Bradley (Kimberly) Nelson of Norway, Mich., Kay (Dan) Mork of Rockford, Janine (Nick) Starcevich of Mount Prospect and Lynda (Bud) Kay of Kingston, Jamaica; nine grandchildren, Michael and Stephanie Nelson, Natalie, Rebecca, and Emma Mork, Joshua and Dana Kay, and Anthony and Nicole Starcevich. Also surviving are two brothers, Milo (Joyce) Nelson of Carney, Mich., and Phillip (Sandra) Nelson of Antioch; three sisters, Mina Timm of Mesquite, Texas, and Mildred Nelson of Rockford and Ruth (Doug) Harrington of Greenville, Texas; two half-sisters, Caroline (Bill) Kilgore of Sun City, Ariz., and Beulah Nelson of Boone, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Carlson of Kearney, Neb., and Lynette (Don) Rathbone of Grand Island, Neb.; a brother-in-law, Stan (Mary) Carlson of Oak Brook Terrace; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents and one sister, Madelynn Nelson, preceded him death.
The visitation will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at Northwoods Chapel, Highway 141, Pembine. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. officiated by the Revs. Fred Barribeau and Clark Lindsay.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northwoods Chapel.
Online condolences may be made at messarfuneralhome.com
The family has entrusted Messar Funeral Home of Wausaukee, Wis., with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Merle Nelson
Russ Kathrein
June 4, 2011
Mr. Nelson was one of my favorite teachers because he cared enough to challenge us to not settle for mediocrity. He kindled a passion for learning that stays with me to this day. As a classmate of Brad's, I want to send my condolences to the entire Nelson family.
Randy Gaulke
June 2, 2011
I might not have always agreed with his interpretation of the Bible, but he was a major figure in my spiritual development during the teen years.
Nelson family, you are all in my prayers at this time.
Meredith Harris-Sena
June 2, 2011
Science class with Mr. Nelson, a very passionate and dedicated teacher who was always interesting. He was always a positive and upbeat teacher that made learning fun. But who can ever forget the cow brain he made every year. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.
Sherri Frankenberry Hanish
June 2, 2011
Mr. Nelson made science class so much fun and was such an upbeat and positive teacher. I too will always remember every Friday he told us "to go to the chapel, church, or synagoge of your choice this Sunday". So encouraging and a great Christian example to his students, I will miss him.
Mark Royer
June 2, 2011
Merle's last four years teaching at the junior high were my first four years. I will always remember his positive attitude and advice he would offer in a helpful, non-critical manner. He was a pleasure to work with.
Dianne (Papierniak) Trenholm
June 2, 2011
I also have very fond memories of Mr. Nelson as my CJHS science teacher. He was so very passionate and dedicated. Although that may have been lost on me when I was 13, I recognize this at the age of 39. My thoughts and prayers are with family & friends for your loss, but I hope that you find peace knowing that he is at rest and will celebrate his life that touched so many.
Marc and Diane Veeneman
June 2, 2011
Pauline, we are so sorry to hear of Merle's passing but rejoice with you that we know his eternal future is safe.
Bill Reed
June 2, 2011
I have great confidence that Mr. Nelson is hearing "Well Done good and faithful servant." A great man, teacher, and servant of God. I will make sure that I "go to the chapel, church, or synagoge of my choice this Sunday" May God bless the Nelson family in their loss.
Jason Franklin
June 2, 2011
My condolences to you all. What a great influence he was, both at school and church.
Carrie Peterson Anderson
June 1, 2011
I had so much fun in Mr.Nelsons class. I remember eating cow brains! I love science and I loved being in his class. My thoughts and prayers go out to The Nelson family! He was a wonderful teacher
Susan Loftis Sprau
June 1, 2011
My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I hope that believing your loved one is no longer in pain and celebrating in Heaven helps lessen the sorrow. One of my fondest memories of Mr. Nelson when I was a student at Cary Junior High is when he would say, "....and go to the church of your choice" every Friday. I also had the pleasure of working with Mr. Nelson when I began teaching at CJH in 1992. I must say it was difficult keeping my math students' attention while teaching in his science classroom. Cow brains were much more exciting than any math concept I was teaching! God bless you, Mr. Nelson! You certainly have touched many lives in a positive way.
Jay Wright
June 1, 2011
Sad to learn of Mr. Nelson's passing this evening. Mr. Nelson was one of the strongest Role models I had growing up in Cary. As a mentor, a teacher and leader of The Alpha Teens at the Evangelical Free Church. So so many memories of science class, and taking camping trips to Lake Lundgren. Not to mention what a beautiful singing voice he had. My Heartfelt condolences go out to Pauline and family.
Mark Killinger
June 1, 2011
You will be missed I remember you from back in CJHS rest in peace.
Mike Speedy
June 1, 2011
What a great teacher. He is one of the figures that stands as a role model in my memory from my childhood. My sympathies to the family especially, my classmate, his daughter Kay.
karen bianchi smith
June 1, 2011
I still have the caramel corn recipe from Junior High, and remember dissection and eating cow brains for him. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. Very memorable man, and one outstanding teacher - Mr Nelson will surely be missed by all.
June 1, 2011
Mr. Nelson,
What an impact you made on your students at CJHS. I was one of them, thank you. You will be missed. Prayers to your family, Eve Barry Jones
Bruce Nordengren
June 1, 2011
Merle was very influential in my youth years. I have many great memories of youth group at the Evangelical Free Church; the trips to Lake Lundgren, and helping build his cabin. He was also a great science teacher and taught me many things about life. My condolences to Pauline and family.
Sending love and prayers.
Christi G
June 1, 2011
Thank you for making Science fun. My deepest condolences.
Deanette Tricker Parks
June 1, 2011
Dear Nelson Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mr. Nelson was a great influence on the youth of Cary. He was a wonderful teacher and role model. His love of the Lord was evident in how he lived his life and cared for those around him.
With deepest sympathy,
Deanette Tricker Parks
jill youngblood (kokuska)
June 1, 2011
Dear Pauline,Brad,Kay,Janine,lynda:Idont know where to start but this my prayers go out to your family merle was like a second father to me getting me to church every wed and sunday at the free church im so thankful for that and being in the choir with him and also being able to go to Lake Lundgren boy that brings back memories i was going to try to make it up to pembine to see you and merle but i was saddened to see him go before i got up there pauline.I remember when my brother scott had Merle as a teacher and even when i went to cary jr high. i wish i could come up there but it is to far now for me to travel he will be sadly missed but remember he is with god now watching over everyone he came in contact with and is no longer suffering. so i will say im really sorry to hear he left us and god bless the nelson family and my prayers are with you love always.jill
June 1, 2011
RIP Mr Nelson you were such a nice teacher.
Sandy (DeLucio) Curran
June 1, 2011
To the Nelson Family -
It is because of teachers like Mr. Nelson that I became a teacher myself. I will never forget how fun he made science - especially making homemade apple cider. Every time I see a red-wing blackbird I think of how he taught us all the birds of Illinois. Having just lost my father to cancer this fall, I feel your pain but hope you find peace and comfort over time - now that he has finally gone home to Heaven.
Kathy Trembacz Olson
June 1, 2011
I had Mr. Nelson for Science at Cary Junior High. I can still remember the look on his face when I told him that my dog ate my frog parts from our disection project. The world has lost a good man but it is God's gain!
Barb and Paul Kulik
June 1, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to you. Merle will surely be missed. He was an excellent example of Christianity. Now he is in heaven and suffering no more. Will keep your family in our prayers.
Olivia Anderson (Santarelli)
June 1, 2011
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Merle was a treasure. I taught in Cary from '69-08 and both my children had Merle.
I have great memories of his dedication.
Bob Lipinski
June 1, 2011
I had the privilege to work with Merle Nelson at Cary Junior High. He was an outstanding example for everyone he came into contact with. He was always a true gentleman, displaying a caring and compassionate demeanor. It was my honor to have him as a cohort.
Vicki Drimalla Fleming
June 1, 2011
Mr Nelson was an awsome teacher! I'll never forget when he made us eat cow brains and he measured my coolots to make sure they were the proper length.My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Katie Rundquist
June 1, 2011
Dear Mrs. Nelson and family,
How sad I was when I was told about your Dad's passing but how happy I was that now his suffering is over and he is in Heaven! I will never forget spending winter nights sleeping over and then the magic that would happen when we were the first to know that school would be closed due to snow! Some of my most thrilling memories were jumping off the roof of the house on Lloyd Street into piles and piles of snow and how your Dad would make us walk through fields of snow in the middle of the night at camp. I saw things I wouldn't have noticed if I had gotten my way and was in bed! Blessings to all of you and may knowing that this is a temporary parting bring you peace.
Bob Sheahan
June 1, 2011
Mr Nelson was one of those teachers that really cared about his students.He made science fun. I remember he had us racing slot cars in the halls of Maplewood on Saturday mornings.
Jenny Pagels Ohlrich
June 1, 2011
Dear Nelson Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was one of my favorite teachers and a great youth group leader. He had the coolest, most authentic science room, will never forget it. I can still remember the periodic chart hanging on the wall, all of the plants around the room, disecting a frog and worm. He just made things so interesting and fun to learn in the classroom. The most friendliest person, always smiled and said hello to you. Just imagine his new journey now, WOW!!! God Bless You All!!
Benjamin, Lisa & Mikaela Stuck
June 1, 2011
Mr. Nelson was one of the greatest men I have had the priveledge to be associated with. As I reflect on the few precious years I had with him, I now realize just how big an influence he was. While I didn't realize it at the time, having lost my father at a young age, Mr. Nelson provided spirtual guidance in his gentle way at our church, in my Jr. High science class and in personal settings. I was fortunate enough to be invited on one of those Canadian fishing trips and still have a picture of Kay, Brad and I around a fire. Living now in South Carolina with many years between then and now, I remember the example Mr. Nelson provided for us and try to live my life as fully committed to our Lord as he did. He was a great man - truely one of a kind. Our prayers go out the entire family because even though he's Home and no longer suffering, I know you still miss him.
Tony Till
June 1, 2011
One of my favorite teachers. I'll never forget him walking into class every day proclaiming "it's a beautiful day in Chicago!" I still try to match that attitude.
David & Beverly Nielsen
June 1, 2011
Pauline, Brad, Kim, Kay, Dan, Janine, Nick, Linda, Bud, and the grandchildren, Merle was a man who had a heart to serve the LORD. He leaves behind a legacy of service to our LORD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. He will be missed by all who knew him. But especially you folks. We can rejoice that we because of what our SAVIOR has done, there will be a glorious reunion one day. May we who were affected by Merle's enthusiasm to serve JESUS CHRIST remember follow his legacy.
Kelly (Brownell) Sandberg
June 1, 2011
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Nelson family. Your dad was a great person, I have fond childhood memories from church when he was one of the leaders for the youth group and also the memories of going to camp up at Pembine.
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