John D. Nelson

Obituary for John D. Nelson (1921-2024) by one of his grandchildren. August 28, 2024, my grandpa went home to Jesus. He was 103. He was sweetly sung into the open arms of his Savior by my grandma, parents, aunts and uncles, and many of my cousins. Grandpa John Nelson grew up in a Swedish farming community in Minnesota. He was the fourth child in a family of eight. Although he longed to continue his education, he put school aside after eighth grade to help his parents on the farm. When World War II came, he left the farm and joined the Army Air Corps, but when he shattered his leg, he remained stateside. An amputation was recommended, but doctors tried a new “wonder drug” named penicillin and his leg was spared. During the long convalescence he was finally able to fulfill his dream of completing high school, and soon after met and married my grandma, Arlene (the angel in the church Christmas play). They celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary just this past May. Grandpa John attended University of Denver on the GI bill, and then completed a Master of Divinity at Fuller Seminary in California. After my grandparents served as church planters in California, God sent them to Venezuela for 34 years to train pastors at a Bible Institute and Seminary. Grandpa also traveled to rural villages to share the gospel, and planted several churches in the poorest parts of Venezuela. In 1986, my grandparents “retired” to the mountains of Colorado, in the house grandpa built himself, but they didn’t stop. Grandpa traveled to Mexico to teach Bible classes until he was in his 80s, and then when he could no longer make those long trips, he led Bible studies at a prison in the Denver area. He hosted more people than I can count in his home, and generations of families came to Christ because my grandparents shared the gospel with them. Grandpa taught us how to work hard. He taught us how to make Swedish pancakes. He taught us that the best way to have coffee is ALWAYS with a sweet baked treat. He always kept helados in the freezer for family visits. He taught us how not to waste anything and that rice goes with everything. He made us laugh until our sides ached with his stories. He spent time playing with each and every one of his grandchildren (18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren). We never were a burden or an annoyance; we were always so wanted and welcomed and loved. Grandpa taught us to open our homes to others and share with others what we have with open hands and hearts. He taught us that sharing is a gift and a joy. I will never forget how faithfully Grandpa lived for Jesus. I will never forget how lovingly he cared for my grandma, and our whole family, and all our friends who became family. Because if you knew my grandparents you were loved by them, and you became like family. It is the greatest honor to be your granddaughter, grandpa. I love you. I will always miss you. S.N. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial gift to Arlene Nelson to be used for training and supporting Venezuelan pastors. Please write “Venezuela” in the memo line.