Victor Nelson

Victor August Nelson of Broomfield, formerly of Dacono, Boulder, and snowbird of Yuma, AZ, passed away peacefully at home on Jan 13, 2022 at the extraordinary age of 105. He was dearly loved and admired by family, friends, and caring neighbors. As he frequently liked to say, he remembered when sliced bread was invented back in 1928! A fact not only shared to show off his cheeky sense of humor, but to also display how sharp his wit and memory remained, even as a centenarian. Victor was born on Oct 1, 1916 in Salina, Kansas, the youngest of five children born to John Victor Nelson and Ruby Nancy Houghton. He married Theresa Louise Wilbur on Nov 28, 1936, and welcomed son, Victor Wayne Nelson (Wayne) in 1938. Shortly after, the family moved to Boulder and welcomed their second son, Hugh Wesley Nelson (Wes) in 1942. During WWII, Victor, a baker and chef by trade, was called to serve in the U.S. Merchant Marines and did so with great pride. Though stationed in the ship's engine room, he often managed to find his way into the galley to help bake rolls for the crew, and once, even a birthday cake for the ship's captain. Upon his return from the war, Victor, always with an adventurous spirit, took an overseas job in Greenland, then returned to his family in Boulder and began his employment at University of Colorado in 1953, where he would again share his talents as a baker and from which he would eventually retire. Victor was famously known among family and friends for making birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other important events even more special by baking a decadent cake for the occasion. This was his sweet way of showing his love and sharing his special talents. Victor and Theresa built two family homes in Boulder, and after retirement, travelled in their motorhome. They bought a second home in Yuma to escape the snowy Colorado winters. The pair later moved to Broomfield to be close to son, Wayne, and daughter-in-law, Meredith. Victor's wife, Theresa, passed away in 2012 after 75 years of marriage. He is also preceded in death by: his son, Wayne Nelson and wife Meredith, and son Wes Nelson; his parents, Victor and Ruby Nelson; four siblings, Leveda Smith, Blenda James, Charles Nelson, and Helen Bledsoe. Victor is survived by: daughter-in-law, Ruth; grandsons, Robert, David, and Brian Nelson; nieces, Ruby Heflin and Veta Hartman; and great and great-great grandchildren. The family thanks Meals on Wheels, Veterans Affairs, and Victor's neighbors for their compassionate care. Victor's passing closes a generational chapter in the family; he will be greatly missed and always remembered. Funeral services will be held at 3pm on Wednesday, January 26th, at Fort Logan National Cemetery.