John Joseph Nelson

John J. Nelson, 73, of Sioux City passed away Wednesday February 15, 2017 at Holy Spirit Retirement Home after battling Parkinson Disease.   Memorial services will be 1:30 Friday February 18, 2017 at Holy Spirit Retirement Home Chapel with Fr. Dennis Meinen officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at Holy Spirit Retirement Home Chapel.

John Joseph Nelson was born to James A. and Helen (Kneifl) Nelson on December 21, 1943 at St. Joseph Hospital in Sioux City. He was raised and went to school at Jackson, NE. and graduated from Emerson Sacred Heart in 1962.  He farmed near Jackson until he sold out in 1978 and moved to Sioux City, IA.  While farming he also worked for the Sioux City Journal.  After moving to Sioux City, he worked for Iowa Beef Processors and then for Terra Nitrogen at Port Neal for 28 years.

John served in the Viet Nam War from 1968 till 1969. Sgt. Nelson was a truck driver with the 120th Transportation Company in Can Tho, Viet Nam.  He was formerly with the 2nd Mechanized Battalion, 133rd Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, CO.

He married Gloria Gill and later divorced. He married Gayle (Noe) Sturgeon on July 27, 1995.

He was a life-time member of the Veterans of Foreign wars, Harty-McNally Post 175 of Jackson, NE and was of the Catholic faith.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle; three sons; John M. (Gina) and daughters Alexis and Alayna Nelson of Des Moines, Matthew T. Nelson of California and son Dylan Nelson of Sioux City; Chad J. Nelson of Colorado Springs, CO.  One daughter Laura (Rogelio) and daughters  Nichole and Melissa Mendez of Antioch, CA.  a special son, Matt (Leisha) and daughter Haili Renner of Adair, Ok; Four sisters, Mary (Gene) Bartling, Patti (Ken) Dinges, Judi (Jim) Dinges of Jackson and Karla (Kent) Carnell of Ponca.  Several nieces and nephews.  An uncle Louie (Jean) Nelson of La Mirada, CCA; two aunts, Mary Kneifl of South Sioux City, NE. and Letha Hollingsworth.

John was preceded in death by his parents; a son Daniel and Brothers James and Terry.