Gary Kent Nelson

I still tell stories about your father when we both served on the Hope Lutheran Church council. He as president, me as vice president. He was conducting a meeting and listening to a college basketball on the radio through an earplug (this was a transistor radio, many won't remember them). I whispered to a friend sitting next to me that it was amazing how he could do 2 things at once...He looked over at me and held up 3 fingers! Still smile about it today=)

From one of Gary's Wisconsin cousins: We were so blessed the few times we were together with Gary and Juanita, Patty and Oscar. Gary sang at my brother Donald and wife Andrea's wedding in the '60s and also at their 25th wedding anniversary gathering. Our last Nedrelo family reunion gave us a "foretaste of things to come". The Nedrelo choir was stupendous with Gary and cousin Katy's leadership.
We look forward to the Great Reunion!!

I am saddened by Gary's passing. He was a man of strong faith who had a kind word for everyone he met. It was my privilege to work with Gary and to call him "friend."

Gary was one of the greats. I'm so glad our paths crossed. I loved his unfiltered thoughts, his big heart, his brilliant mind, and his bold presence. I imagine him interrogating God now. Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and light perpetual shine upon him.

We were so very sorry to learn of Gary's passing. Sad for the ones left behind but joyful for those that he joined in heaven. His memory will stay with all who knew him. Gone but not forgotten.
Don & Judy Lough

My brother, Tom Flick and his wife Ramona introduced my husband and I to your family, many years ago. They were sad when you moved from Gary Way. I knew your dad as Attorney General, and was happy to know your family and my brother were neighbors. Tom and Ramona still live at 120 W. Gary Way. Tom has had a stroke and is now in the Care Center on Jesse Owens. I admire your wonderful family..you have many good memories...Now he is singing in the Big Choir, praise the Lord.

I am not in this photo (Greg and I weren't around yet), but this picture represents my childhood: Nelsons and Guests together. We were always at their house, or our house, or church, or Grandpa and Grandma's house, or Grandpa's cabin....together. My mom was his sister and they were close, although they sometimes "frustrated" each other. We kids spent summers together, going back and forth between houses. We played in the churchyard during choir practices. We swam at Leonard and Ruth Lumby's...

A blessing to everyone ...of EPIC proportions. Thank you for all you did for me, and for being a wonderful Grandpa to my children. I loved having you at all my theater productions, because I could always hear you laughing when I was on stage or back stage. You always treated me with love and kindness through everything life threw my way and no matter what, you were always there for me.... and always reminded me to look to Christ...Love you!!!

Gary Nelson (then Attorney General) sang at our wedding in 1973 and we remember it to this day, nearly 40 years later! Christine Ark sang in Gary's choir at Hope Lutheran for many years. We sat down for dinner one night at a local restaurant here in Corvallis, Oregon,.. and noticed Gary and Pastor Roger Vegdahl sitting at the next table! What a night! (They were in town for a Basketball game.) "God rejoices at the death of His saints!" I am sure Gary is in His choir (God's Choir),.. or...