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Erling Nelson Obituary
A Memorial Service commemorating Erling's life will be held 3 p.m., January 28, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla - 1375 E. Bogard Rd. Guests are invited to stay for a reception immediately following the service. Erling's ashes will be scattered at Snowbird Mine in Hatcher's Pass, AK.
Erling was born on March 22, 1942 in Palmer, Alaska son of Nils and Dorothy (Hill) Nelson.
Erling attended elementary, middle, and high school in Wasilla, Alaska. He later earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and also served his country in the United States Army. In 1976 he began his employment with the City of Wasilla as a city clerk and later served as the Finance Director for 24 years, retiring in 2000. Erling actively volunteered in his community including: Wasilla Volunteer Fire Department, Little Dippers, Little League, and Museum of Alaska Transportation & Industry. He also enjoyed volunteering his time and talents to the projects of friends and family. Erling was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla and a Board Member & Treasurer for Wasilla-Knik Historical Society. He was a lifelong Alaskan with a love of state and local history, an avid fan of local and regional basketball, and enjoyed restoration of historic vehicles. Erling was a caring father to six children and was a busy grandfather to his 13 grandchildren, and traveled frequently to the Lower-48 to spend time with family and friends.
Erling is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Allayne & Gene Dinkel; and by his children: Michelle Kirkham, Robert Nelson, Steven Nelson, Judy Nelson, Pamela Nelson, and Naomi Nelson. He is also survived by his many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. We miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Wasilla-Knik Historical Society, 300 N. Boundary Street, Wasilla, AK. 99654
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Erling Nelson
Candie
June 8, 2020
When this picture of Erling popped up today there was an immediate lump in my throat. It reminds me that we will never bump into each other at the hardware store ever again to talk about our current project. Miss him.
Braxton
June 6, 2020
That the we miss him.
Braxton Donoho
steve hill
April 5, 2015
A late message from cuz Steve Hill. Erling we met just once as adults but you and your beautiful daughter will always be remembered. RIP CUZZ
Naomi Nelson
January 9, 2013
Almost a year later, reading these entries while difficult, is healing to my heart. Thank you for these wonderful words and shared memories of my father.
Naomi Nelson
John Borg
February 4, 2012
Erling was part of the Wasilla basketball team in 1959 when they beat Fairbanks after being 20 some points behind at half time. i was there to see the game and i ve never forgotten as the coach Willard Lambert was my high school coach in Wisconsin when i graduated in 1955. Coach lost a close friend. He lives in Fairbanks. He often spoke of Erling and has appreciated Erlings friendship over the years. my best regards to his family.
James VICKARYOUS
February 3, 2012
A Treasure has passed.
Erling was three years behind me at Wasilla Territoial School. His mother Dorothy taught me well in 7th & 8th grades. In my Senior year, Erling and other Freshmen came to the basketball team's rescue under George Harbeson. His stature and quick thinking made him a natural for an early use of the "kick out" play to me for a long range set shot that helped us win some games. No three pointers, all shots from the field were counted as deuces, no matter the distance or the eye of the shooter!
He came to the UAF @ College, Ak my Senior year the fall of 1960. By then he was in a whole other league with his forward play and his shot from the key. We were able to play some together as he was first on the JV squad which I played on as a student assistant coach before he soon earned a spot on the Nanooks Varsity.
Some fond memories are of his Uncle Fred's home across the
street from the school where the winter's stack of firewood went as high as the eaves. Also the trail from the school to the Nelson home south of the railroad where his mom would break a trail in the snow, on her way to the school, for Erling and his sister Allayne to follow a bit later in the morning. When moose were in that area, his dad would escort them across the tracks, sometimes carrying a rifle.
My sister Tiny DePriest has alot of praise for his work preserving the history of our village, then town, now city. Thank you for your service to our Nation, Erling. Job well done, rest in Peace.
L. Jackson
January 29, 2012
May the "peace of God"(Philipians 4:6,7) be yours as you cope with such a loss. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
l p
January 29, 2012
“The hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who have given heed [literally, word for word, “the (ones) having heard”] will live.” (Joh 5:25,
l
January 25, 2012
I knew Erling when we attended the Univ. of Alaska together. He was a good friend and I'm sure the folks of Wasilla and family will miss him.
Roger Grummett, Juneau
January 23, 2012
I remember Earling from High school baskeball 9i was at valdez) when Wasilla was the hottest team around. he and the carney brothers were always gentlmen and good sportsmen. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Dennis Jennings
Linda Conley
January 23, 2012
I knew Erling through the Alaska Municipal Clerks Association in the 1980's. He was dedicated to his job and really enjoyed working for the City of Wasilla. Erling was a thoughtful man and loved his family more than anything. Keep him in your hearts.
Linda Conley, retired City Clerk, City of Nome
Dean Baugh
January 23, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Erling at the City of Wasilla, I concidered him a friend and a Great mentor. In my career Ealing was one man I truly respected.
Candie Graham
January 23, 2012
I was so very sad to hear the news of Erling's passing. Your dad was so proud of all of you, and I hope you always know how special you were to him. I know there isn't anything I can say or do to ease the pain you feel right now, but my heart is with you. He was such a talented, loving person, and I know that lives on in you.
Erling was my boss for many years and still to this day remains the best that I have ever had. He was a most caring, understanding leader, always fair and unbiased. When he retired he left an immense empty space that I felt could never be filled. It took a very long time to get used to the fact that he was not in his office next to mine any longer.
Later, whenever I would run into him, it did not matter where or when, he always took the time to stop and talk. I always knew he cared.
Going to miss you Erling…
January Grizzell
January 23, 2012
I had the pleasure of calling Erling a friend in the 80's, during the fourteen years I lived and worked in Wasilla.
What always stood out first and formost, was his immense love and devotion towards his children.
He came over to me the day after we had all visited, during one of many "lunch hour run in's" at the old "Kashim". And laughed...as he told me that his girls went straight home from our visit and "wanted to cut their sweatshirts up". Like I used to do to mine, as it was the style then. He got the biggest kick out of that...why someone would want to take a perfectly good sweatshirt and cut it up. (Laughter)
I remember him having a great sense of loyality, a wonderful sense of humor, and a tender gentle heart for just about everybody, and everything in life.
I send my warmest sincere regards to each of the family and friends. God Bless you all.
January 22, 2012
Erling was always the quiet one who sat and listened, and then would drop a great comment into the conversation. We always respected his devotion to all of his kids and his whole extended family. He will be missed by so may.
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