Frank G. Nelson

Frank G. Nelson
Mr. Frank George Nelson, age 98, was called to his heavenly home on
September 1, 2025, in Norfolk, VA. Frank was born at home on Upper
Mountain Road in Lewiston and lived many years in South Wilson and
Gasport.
He is the son of the late Frank and Myrtle (Young) Nelson, of Newfane, NY.
His parents were both first generation Americans. His mother was of
Scotch ancestry and his father was Danish. His grandfather Niels Nielson
came from Denmark in 1889. His mother's McKinnon and Young great-
grandparents immigrated into Canada in the 1830's and later into the U.S.
He is also pre-deceased by his former wife Frances H. Nelson-Hitzemann,
long term companion Kathryn Curry, brother William (Bill) Nelson, niece
Barbara Jean Nelson and grandson Kyle Walker.
Growing up on the Bronson Rumsey property, Frank attended the Lewiston
District #10 school until it burned down in 1941. He then bussed to LaSalle
Jr. High School completing the school year, and 9 th grade attended Niagara
Falls Jr. High School, before moving to Wilson and Newfane where he
focused on farming.
Leaving the farm in the winter to work at Bell Aircraft, Frank was quickly
drafted in the Army in 1953 and attended Basic and Infantry training at Fort
Jackson, S.C. He was then served in 370 th Armored Infantry Battalion at
Henry Kaserne, near Munich, Germany. He served first as an armored
personnel carrier driver and later as his company's radio repairman.
After his Service, he returned to South Wilson, bought a farm and
renovated the barn to begin a 30-cow dairy operation on Chestnut Road.
In 1958 he married Frances H. Smith of Thrall Road at Cambria
Congregational Church, and with her raised their children.
He continued as a dairyman until 1966, and then with crop farming while
also working at Harrison Radiator as a welder until his retirement from both
in 1993. Frank loved family, music, traveling and animals. For a number of
years he was a member of the South Wilson Volunteer Fire Company and
the Harrison Building #8 Bowling League.
In later years he moved to Hartland Road, and with Kathy Curry spent
much of his days on housing projects, helping maintain her beautiful flower
beds and taking care of cat rescues. He was also very active in the
Hartland Historical Society helping to raise money for the purchase and
renovation of the District #10 cobblestone school house on Seaman Road.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children Carolyn (Ken) Cybulski of
West Seneca, Betsy (John) Woodard of Norfolk, VA, James (Klondy)
Nelson of Wichita, KS and Mark Nelson of Newfane, NY, his sister
Margaret Schmitt of Hornell, NY. He is also survived by: three cousins -
Alma Momburger of Mooresville, NC, George Nelson of Cheektowaga and
Patricia Walker of Olcott: Eight nieces and nephews - Becky Heifner,
Janice Leverenz, Jerry Schmitt, Jim Schmitt, Beverly Ann Schmitt, Diane
Morris, Paul Schmitt, and Virginia Beckwith: Seventeen grandchildren -
Sam, Joe & Steven Casalinuovo; Emily Woodard Quinn; Bryce & Parker
Nelson, Marissa Sprague, Jay, Samantha & Kaitlin Jones; James Walker,
Kayla (Walker) Lambert, Rachel (Walker) Lefkawitz, Tyler & Victoria
Walker; William Bucolo and Megan (Bucolo) Jensen: Twenty-five great-
grandchildren, and many dear friends.
Friends may call on Friday, 5 September from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at
Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home in Newfane, NY.
On Saturday, 6 September, visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at
Cambria Congregational Church, followed by Funeral Service at 11:00 with
Pastor William Miles officiating. Burial will be at Hartland Central Cemetery
after the service.
Memorials may be made to the Cambria Congregational Church or South
Wilson Volunteer Fire Company. Online condolences may be sent to
rutland-corwin.com