John William Nelson was born at Melby, Minnesota, on May 14, 1893, son of Jens N. and Kjersti (Anderson) Nelson. He was the fifth in a family of six children. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christina Lake Lutheran Church. He spent his youth on the farm and on August 4, 1917, just prior to his entry into World War I, he was united in marriage to Ida M. Lang, who grew up in the same church, attended the same school and who was his childhood sweetheart since she wore "pink ribbons on those little short pig tails." After his discharge, he returned to farming until he decided to enter the University of Minnesota where he received his degree in Bio Chemistry. He then served as cereal chemist at the mill at Appleton, Minnesota, until he accepted the position on the Clarkfield faculty as ag instructor. Here he served until his retirement in 1960. He was a faithful member of the Augustana Lutheran Church where all the members of the family attended. He was active in the American Legion, Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star. Although his health had been failing since the death of his wife, Ida, May 27, 1969, and especially so the last few weeks, J. Wm. Nelson was about with his friends, Wednesday evening. However, about seven o'clock, he suffered severe pains and called the local ambulance. He was immediately taken in for surgery which proved successful, however, he suffered a heart attack and passed away about ten o'clock that evening, at the age of 78 years. "J. Bill" is survived by his five children: Chester, a local businessman, Marjorie (Mrs. Elsmore Friberg) of Richfield, Minnesota, Irma (Mrs. Abner Johnson) of Baraboo, Wisconsin, Norma (Mrs. Edwin Stueland) of Dubuque, Iowa, and Beverly (Mrs. Jack McCollum) of Carlsbad, New Mexico; four grandaughters; and one sister, Mrs. Esther Hanson of Minneapolis. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers, Emil and Albert, and sisters Hilda and Ellen. IN MEMORY OF J. WM. NELSON Born May 14, 1893 ~ Passed away October 27, 1971 Funeral Services Monday, November 1, 1971, 2:00 p.m. Augustana Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiating, Rev. Albert H. Hendrickson Organist, Mrs. V. L. Silver Vocal Music Mrs. Johnie Sturgeon Mrs. Myron Friberg "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling" "Beyond the Sunset" Honorary Casket Bearers H. O. Otterholt ~ Peter Johnson Geo. M. Gehant ~ Alonzo Wharton James E. Paulsen ~ Hjalmer Larson Carl Burke ~ Martin Erie Casket Bearers R. R. Anderson ~ Richard Petersen Geo. Grinager ~ Glenn Reichert Al. G. Nelson ~ Ted Stenhaug Final Resting Place Clarkfield City Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield, Minnesota