John George Nelson

John George Nelson passed away Aug. 12, 2009, at the age of 66 at his home after a 19 year battle with multiple myeloma and prostate cancer.

He was born in Bismarck, ND, to his parents John H. and Caroline Nelson. He attended St. Mary Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1961.

After attending St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, he married Ellen Stanton, his high school sweetheart, in 1964. They moved to Grand Forks, ND, where he attended the University of North Dakota. In 1965, he became plant manager at Rogers Foods. The company later relocated to Moses Lake, WA, and was purchased by Basic American Foods, where he continued to work at Operations Manager until his retirement in 2001.

His Catholic faith was his highest priority during his life as a member of Our Lady of Fatima, Moses Lake, and Queen of All Saints in Warden, WA. He acknowledged his strength throughout the years was due to his strong faith in God. He believed prayer offerings enabled him to live a vibrant life despite his illness.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Ellen, his daughter, Jane Enfield, his 4 grandchildren; Jenica, Jonathan, River, and Cassidy, son, David Nelson and his wife Susan of AZ, his brother, Donald Nelson and wife Jackie of AL, his sister, Shirley Silbernagel and husband Boniface of MN, and his sister Diane Gunsch and husband Dean of ND. He is preceded in death by his parents.

On the vigil of his memorial service, a rosary will be said on Friday, August 21st, 2009 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima led by Msgr Martin Skehan. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 11 a.m. by Fr Felipe Pullido. Inurnment will be at the Columbarium, Our Lady of Fatima immediately following mass.

Everyone is welcome to attend both services. If you wish to join the family, they will be wearing white to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord and the passing of John to his new life.