Frank Charles Nelson

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Frank Nelson, 73, of Soap Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, December 21, 2013 with his grandson by his side. He had bravely lived with diabetes and the ensuing medical struggles it brought. He was born August 5, 1940 to Grant and Clytie Nelson in Sedro Woolley, Washington. He attended school in Conway and Mount Vernon. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1958 and attended Skagit Valley Community College for a year. On December 31, 1962 he married Glenda Gee in Hamilton, WA. He has resided in the Soap Lake area for the past 41 years, having moved from Fir Island near Conway, Washington in 1973 to farm in the Lake View area.

Frank left the dairying behind when he moved to Eastern Washington, he drove truck, hauling mostly hay and some fruit. He also grew a variety of crops on the small acreage including wheat, corn, and alfalfa.

He enjoyed refurbishing old tractors and attending tractor pulling events. His spare time was spent with tractors of all sizes. He collected the small ones and rebuilt the big old ones. He was a member of the Columbia Basin Antique Power Club, enjoying the Tractor pulls.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Glenda Nelson of Soap Lake; Son Terry and wife Gerene of George, Son Tom and wife Shelly of George, Son Ted Nelson of Moses Lake; grandsons Neil and wife Nova Nelson of George, Erik, Dustin, and Riley Nelson of Quincy, Winston Nelson of Burbank, WA; Joseph and wife Tiffany Riordan, granddaughters Tanisha Riordan and Harley Riordan of George; sister Janet Goodwin and husband Roger of Royal City; nephews Jon, Jesse, and Joel Bartlett; nieces Barbara Bartlett and Lynn Woods; 3 great-grandsons, and 3 great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his father Grant Nelson, mother Clytie Nelson, and sister Beverly Bartlett.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2013 at Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, WA with interment to follow at Valley View Memorial Park, Soap Lake, WA.

Memorials may be made to the Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family and view the online tribute video at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata, WA.