Ernest C. Nelson
October 21, 1929 - November 21, 2014
Obituary
Ernest C. Nelson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on Nov. 21, surrounded by his family. Ernest was born on October 21, 1929 in McGregor, North Dakota to Henry and Astrid Nelson.
In 1949, he married his high school sweetheart and in 1956, he moved his family to the Seattle area. He worked for Boeing for four years and then United Airlines for 29 years, retiring in 1988.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marlene Nelson. His children, Susan (Dennis) Potter, Byron (Cindy) Nelson and Karen (Steven) Levy. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Travis, Ashley, Bailey, Henry, Allison, and Zachary, and great-grandchildren, Emily, Elijah, Elsa Ezekiel, and Ernie.
We have many fond memories of our wonderful times with him and will truly miss his warm smile, his sense of humor and his generous love.
We are grateful for the love and care he received from the caregivers at Judson Park Retirement Community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines on December 2nd at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Judson Park Foundation, 23600 Marine View Drive S., Des Moines, WA 98198
Viewing Dec. 1st, 2-5 p.m. at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park. Please sign the on-line guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
Marlene, By, Sue, Karen & families: There aren’t enough words to express my sorrow for your loss. Ernie was larger than life, and he will be missed by his extended family as well. I will always treasure our visits to Seattle, and so appreciate the time he spent entertaining his North Dakota cousins! We looked forward to every visit from Ernie and Marlene to North Dakota, and always felt a special connection to him. The way that he treated his mother was an example to all of us, and exemplified his character. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn, and as you adjust to life without him.
Love,
Sonya
Hi Karen and Steve, so sorry for your loss. I will keep you into thoughts.
Pat Silvernale
Dear Karen, Steve ,Allie and Zackary
My thoughts and prayers go to you all —-your Father, Father in Law and Grand Dad I am sure will be missed by all
May he rest in peace.
Love you all
Auntie Jennie
I will always remember the immediate impression he made upon me when I first met Ernie. He made me feel that he and I were long time friends in an instant. Then as I watched him interact with his wife, children and grandchildren and others that too , that here stands a man that I could admire. Strong person of conviction, considerate of others feelings and needs and loving to all who knew him. As years went by he never wavered. I say well done to my friend and know I will see him again.
Marlene and family:
Memories of Ernie are so positive and sweet. Don’t think I have ever met a nicer person. RIP Ernie and enjoy your heavenly reward of everlasting life. Until we meet again, love Gayleen.
Marlene and family:
Memories of Ernie are so positive and sweet. Don’t think I have ever met a nicer person. RIP Ernie and enjoy your heavenly reward of everlasting life. Until we meet again, love Gayleen.
It was truly a pleasure sitting and talking with Ernie on those July 4th backyard picnics! I am sure that your fond memories will be a blessing throughout this life’s journey and one day there will be a joyous reunion that will make those pale in comparison!! We love you guys and are praying for you.
Wayne & Cissi
Karen, Steve and extended family,
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time,
and we are praying for your family. Please know that
we are always here if you need us.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
We love you.
Rick & Marylou
What beautiful memories you will have .
What a supportive and loving family,
Karen, Steve & Family,
please accept my deepest condolences in your time of loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen, although I never met your Father, he must have been a great man to raise a daughter with your character. Your beautiful family is a living testament to his life.
I know he is in a better place and you will see him again.
Sincerely,
Carson, Joy & the Jenkins Family.
Karen, Steve, Allie, Zach, Marlene and the rest of the Nelson family,
We will always remember Ernie as the ultimate gentleman, so full of kindness and concern for the well-being of others.
He will be missed at family gatherings.
Please know that whereas Shelly and I will be unable to attend the service, we will be there in thoughts and prayer.
God bless and be well.
Hugs, Gaye and Shelly
Marlene and family,
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time and in the days and weeks to come.
Dear Byron, Cindy and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Tom, Lisa and Christina
Karen & Steve & Family,
My love prayers & condolences are with you during this time of grief. I know he will be greatly missed by so many. Keep your memories of your Dad/Father in Law/Grandfather close to your heart as you transition through your time of loss. God Bless You!
Thinking of you at this very difficult time. I hope all of the wonderful memories of your beloved Dad will help keep his spirit alive.
I have very fond memories of Uncle Ernie!! He was so funny and fun to be around. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope he and my Dad and brother, Todd, are playing a good game cards! Love you all! Paula, Christian, and Marleese
I’m thinking of all of you, feel sad, it’s hard to let a loved one go, we had so many wonderful family gatherings and Ernie was such a fun part of them, he was an only child, but, fit well with nine of us in the Meyer family, it was great!
Love all of you, Yvette
So sorry for your loss Marlene, I remember so fondly our traveling together to Arizona and Spain.
I know Jim thought the world of Ernie, as a boss but mostly as a good friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God bless you and hold you very tight.
Love
Sue Lundberg
Marlene, we are so sorry we could not be there to say goodbye to the best boss I ever had and a great friend. Remembering the good times at Lake Cushman when our kids were growing up. Our motorcycle rides and the one time we “almost” got lost on a fishing trip.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.
Ron & Jackie