Clark Northrop Nelson

Nelson, Clark Northrop, died November 25, 2010. Clark was born to Emil and Eugenia Crary Nelson on September 12, 1920 in Boone, Iowa. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Arthur and Leonard. Clark graduated from Boone Junior College. During junior college, he volunteered to serve in the National Guard. Later, he attended University of Iowa (Ames) until the Guard unit was called to serve in World War II. He enlisted in the Air Force, and served 35 missions as a B-24 pilot stationed in northern Africa and Italy. For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Four Oak Clusters, the Distinguished Unit Citation, and the European theater ribbon with 8 battle stars. After discharge, he attended Duke University in Durham North Carolina. There he was active in the Duke Glee Club, ATO fraternity, and majored in Economics. At Duke, Clark met Mary Jane Smith, whom he married in 1948. Clark and Mary Jane lived in Boone briefly after which they moved to Louisville, Kentucky. Clark's primary career was in pharmaceutical sales. He had a second career in retail building supply sales. In retirement, he was a volunteer driver for the Department of Veterans' Affairs. After Mary Jane retired from her banking career, the couple moved to Irvine CA where daughter Dana and her family lived. They became active in the community of Woodbridge. Clark loved his days in CA, considering himself "on vacation" every day. Clark is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; daughter, Dana Nelson Rutledge (David); son, Lee (Charlotte); grandsons, Brian and Austin Rutledge, Andrew and Blake Nelson. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Woodbridge Village Association Community Center, Maple Room. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Vitas Hospice (Irvine CA) or the charity/organization of your choice.