Walter C. Nelson

Posted

(Aug. 20, 2006)

Walter C. Nelson, 97, died Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Powell Nursing Home.

Walter was born July 23, 1909 in Climax, Minn., the oldest son of Marcus and Ida Nelson. He grew up on a farm in the Red River Valley, and attended high school in Climax. During high school Walter played sports and excelled in baseball as a catcher. He enjoyed music and played the baritone. After high school he helped his father with the family farm and then went to work for the United States Postal Service.

Following this he worked for Standard Oil Co., and in 1941 he was called to active duty for the United States Army. He served three years in North African and European campaigns of World War II, serving under General Patton. He participated in the Normandy invasion.

Upon returning from the military service he married Betty Richards on June 29, 1948. They had three children, Richard, Don, and Barbara.

Following his career with Standard Oil Co., he moved to Billings, Mont., in the late 50’s and started working for the Sweetheart Bread Company where he delivered bread and pastries to northern Wyoming and central Montana. In 1980 he retired and moved to Powell, where he lived in the Rocky Mountain Manor retirement home, and eventually moved to the nursing home.

He is survived by his children, Richard, Don and Barbara; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Helen Hunter, Lorna Hansen, Adeline Erickson and Mildred Boucher; and his brother, Bobby Nelson.

Walt will be missed by his family and all his nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be in Powell at the Thompson Funeral Home Friday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. The family graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Billings.

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