Harold R. Nelson

SIOUX CITY -- Harold R. Nelson, 86, of Sioux City passed away Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at his residence.

Abiding by family wishes, cremation has taken place. Private family graveside service in Logan Park Cemetery will be held in the spring. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel assisted the family with arrangements.

Harold was born March 28, 1924, in Obert, Neb., to Hans and Ina (Lund) Nelson. He received his education in Newcastle, Neb., graduating with the class of 1942. Harold enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in April 1943, participating in 35 bombardment missions over occupied Europe as a belly-gunner in a B-17 Flying Fortress. He received the Air Medal with a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster along with three Bronze Campaign Ribbons before receiving his honorable discharge in October 1945.

Harold married Margaret M. Giffrow on May 12, 1950, in South Sioux City. He was a lifetime member of the Local 18 Plumbers and Steamfitters for more than 50 years. He worked locally for Carlson Plumbing and retired from Interstate Air Conditioning in 1982.

Harold enjoyed gardening and fishing, his memberships to Trinity Lutheran Church, the Eagle's Club, along with the American Legion Post 64 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Harold is survived by his children, Michael Nelson and his wife, Sharon of Sioux City and Donna "Susie" Johnson and her husband, Russ of Sioux City; grandchildren, Steven Nelson and his special friend, Lyn Bohe, and his children, Cade and Caroline, Mark Nelson and his wife, Kathrine, and their children, Gabrielle, Taylor, Hannah, and Meagan, and Tim Johnson and his fiancee, Emily Sandvold, and their child, Grayson; and siblings, LaVonne, Keith, Ronnie, and Merlin.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret in 2002; and sister, Lois.