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Joseph Nelson Obituary
He passed away on April 23, 2005 in Sacramento, California.
He was predeceased by his wife, Gertude Nelson from Sacramento.
Beloved husband to his high school sweetheart, Bonnie.
Loving father to Joe, Jim, Lynn Mitchel and her husband Jim, John and his partner Jeff.
Loving grandfather to 7 grandchildren and he is also survived by his extended family of 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Among the many things he did, he graduated from Kalama High School and later graduated from the University of Washington as a Civil Engineering Honor Student.
He served during WWII in the Army.
He was a commercial fisherman in Alaska and on the Columbia River and worked as a Civil Engineer – overseeing the Apollo test site, Titan Missile program and constructing various dam projects, including New Melones Dam. Joe was an avid fly fisherman and duck hunter.
He was both a Mason and VFW Member.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service that will be held at 11:00am on Friday, April 29, 2005 at Haakinson and Groulx Mortuary in Rainier, with Pastor Steve Berry officiating. Burial will take place immediately following at Neer City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Remembrances may be made in Joe's name to the Disabled American Veterans Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Nelson
Susan Norberg
May 2, 2005
Joe,
You will always be with us in spirit. I am grateful that I got you and Mom back together and that you were with us when she passed. And I am thankful that you were such a good life-long buddy to Dad.
Jack and I will miss your visits and phone calls.
Our Love, Susan and Jack
Lynn Nelson-Mitchell
May 1, 2005
Dad, I will truly miss you and the
very special bond that I will carry
forever in my heart. You were there so many times for me, I hope
I was able to make your final days
a little brighter. I will miss your cute smile, along with many other wonderful things. The bald eagle flying over you and then back
again was truly a sign that your were now finally at peace and free from pain. Love you forever, and will always have a very special place in my heart only for you. Love, Lynn
Bonnie Nelson
April 30, 2005
My darling I am going to miss you so very much. The bald headed eagle that flew over your grave when service was over, was when I knew you were tipping your wings, as if to say goodbye. Ilove you so very much and will see you another time my love. will miss you so very much. Your wife and lover.
Lower Columbia DAR Ladies (Kelso/Longview, WA)
April 28, 2005
To the family of: Joseph M. Nelson:
Those who have died will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice for their country will live on forever in the hearts of all who cherish freedom. Remembering your loved one. Condolences,
Bruce Linkous
April 27, 2005
Joe,
You were a great man!
Your management achievement as the United States Army Corp of Engineer's Leader of the New Melones Dam Project (Second largest earth filled dam in the world) was the best project that I had the opportunity to support in my career.
Your effective leadership and no nonsense management style saved many lives and made it a pleasure to work with you. For the record, only one fatality was suffered on that project while the global statistic's would have predicted seven fatalities.
You will be missed!
Bruce Linkous
Retired, Chief of Safety
North Pacific Division
US Army Corp of Engineers
James Egan
April 26, 2005
Grandpa,
You and I shared the same birthday December 2nd, I will miss sharing that special day with you. Thanks for all the cool stories,you will be greatly missed.
Love your Grandson,
James
Kami Hambek
April 26, 2005
Gramma:
"For a love like yours can never end, because it is the perfect blend, of joys and sorrows, smiles and tears that just grow stronger through the years. So think of your loved one as living above, no farther away than your undying love, And now he is happy and free once more, and he waits for you at eternity's door."
May God bless you and keep you in His loving arms during this difficult time. Much Love, Kami
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Funeral services provided by:
Haakinson-Groulx Mortuaries, Inc.215 C Street P.O. Box 218, Rainier, OR 97048
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