Merlyn “Pete” L. Nelson, 89, of Jackson, NE went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at his residence surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux City, IA. Burial with full military honors will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel is assisting the family with services.
Pete was born on March 10, 1933, the son of Clarence and Thyra Nelson in Dixon, NE. Following his graduation from Dixon High School, he farmed with his dad before joining the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. On May 20, 1957, Pete was united in marriage to Eleanor Jensen. They made their home in Sioux City, IA and were blessed with two children. Pete worked as a federal meat inspector for 41 years. Pete and Eleanor moved to Jackson, NE in 1994.
He loved spending time with his family and attending activities for all of his grandchildren. Pete was known for going to auctions (aka collecting junk), enjoying ice cream with lemon juice, being silly with the kids, and painting toy tractors John Deere green. During his free time, you could always find him outdoors fiddling with something on the farm.
Loved ones that cleared the path for him include his parents; grandparents, Fred and Ida Brown, Peter and Johannah Nelson; brother-in-law, Milo Johnson; and sister-in-law, Donna Nelson.
Pete is greatly missed by his family. Loved ones that will miss him until they see him again include his wife, Eleanor of 65 years; his children, Cindy (John) Searls, Jim Nelson; his siblings, Muriel Johnson and Marvin Nelson; his grandchildren, Brian (Amber) Searls, Shelly (Chris) Fergen, David (Ashley) Searls, Michael (Dani) Searls; and his great grandchildren, Jah’den, Jio, Cohen, Hazely and Avery Searls.
Pallbearers will be Brian Searls, David Searls, Michael Searls, Chris Fergen, Doug Behrens, and Steve Hoelker, with his great grandchildren as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church.