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Welcome to the memorial page for
Dr. V.R. Nelson
January 20, 1921 ~ April 28, 2012 (age 91) 91 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Sharla Schelske Owen
July 6, 2012 2:58 PM
Joyce & Family,
I am so honored to have worked with Doc at Augie through the student work program! He was one professor whom I never had for a class but I will remember forever in my heart! Joyce - you and VR welcomed me to your home to help clean up outdoors one fall and even hosted a party when my family came to town. I am grateful that he took me under his wing! Thank you for all the Christmas cards through the years. I have been able to keep in touch and read about all the exciting travels.
Bless your family! God has his hands busy now!
Sharla
I am so honored to have worked with Doc at Augie through the student work program! He was one professor whom I never had for a class but I will remember forever in my heart! Joyce - you and VR welcomed me to your home to help clean up outdoors one fall and even hosted a party when my family came to town. I am grateful that he took me under his wing! Thank you for all the Christmas cards through the years. I have been able to keep in touch and read about all the exciting travels.
Bless your family! God has his hands busy now!
Sharla
Message from Mona Graves
May 9, 2012 12:51 PM
Dear Joyce,
Truly a life lived with purpose and consequence. A caring man with an impressive legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mona
Truly a life lived with purpose and consequence. A caring man with an impressive legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mona
Message from Woody (Dale) Hohman
May 8, 2012 11:26 AM
To the Nelson Family:
I have prayed that you will sense God''s love at this difficult time.
As an Augie student I was inspired by Dr. Nelson''s brilliant, creative, sensitive nature, and saw the heart stimulator and other ''50''s projects take form.
He helped sculpture my life with a very positive and direct influence on both my time in the military, and later my professional career with IBM.
A wonderful man by every measure.
I have prayed that you will sense God''s love at this difficult time.
As an Augie student I was inspired by Dr. Nelson''s brilliant, creative, sensitive nature, and saw the heart stimulator and other ''50''s projects take form.
He helped sculpture my life with a very positive and direct influence on both my time in the military, and later my professional career with IBM.
A wonderful man by every measure.
Message from Bill & Asella Crum
May 7, 2012 3:51 PM
Dear Joyce and Family,
Bill and I send our condolences to all of you We just learned of your husband and fathers death as we are visiting our children in Oregon. It was such a treat to see the two of you in Dec and meet Adam too. What a great life he lived. You can be so proud of him for all he has done for our country and for the students as well of all the people who met him.
Bill and Asella Crum
Bill and I send our condolences to all of you We just learned of your husband and fathers death as we are visiting our children in Oregon. It was such a treat to see the two of you in Dec and meet Adam too. What a great life he lived. You can be so proud of him for all he has done for our country and for the students as well of all the people who met him.
Bill and Asella Crum
Message from Mary Jane Minnig
May 4, 2012 8:55 AM
Joyce,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. VR was such a warm and generous person. Jim took two aviation courses and appreciated the concern and encouragement VR provided.
God''''s comfort be with you.
Mary Jane & Jim Minnig
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. VR was such a warm and generous person. Jim took two aviation courses and appreciated the concern and encouragement VR provided.
God''''s comfort be with you.
Mary Jane & Jim Minnig
Message from Brett & Lori Van Bochove
May 4, 2012 12:09 AM
Joyce, Cindy, Bob, Adam and Andrew,
We just heard about VR's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Although only neighbors for a short time, I can't imagine life without having had the opportunity to get to know VR and all of you. We have truly been blessed! Please know that our prayers are with you. While the next steps will be hard, because of who you are, and how Ronnie has helped shape each of you, you will shine brightly. God bless you and please except our sincere condolences.
Brett, Lori, Jon, Adam & Christopher Van Bochove
We just heard about VR's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Although only neighbors for a short time, I can't imagine life without having had the opportunity to get to know VR and all of you. We have truly been blessed! Please know that our prayers are with you. While the next steps will be hard, because of who you are, and how Ronnie has helped shape each of you, you will shine brightly. God bless you and please except our sincere condolences.
Brett, Lori, Jon, Adam & Christopher Van Bochove
Message from David Froiland
May 3, 2012 10:40 AM
Nelson Family,
How very sorry I was to hear about the passing of Ronnie. He and Margaret were my Godparents. Even though I didn't see him very often, I was always so proud of the fact that he was my Godfather - especially walking around campus at Augustana. Margaret always gave me a box of Double Mint Gum for my birthday and I always thought that was very special. Ronnie was a very impressive man and I will always be proud of the fact that he was my Godfather. I think of him often and will continue to do so. My deepest sympathy. David Froiland
How very sorry I was to hear about the passing of Ronnie. He and Margaret were my Godparents. Even though I didn't see him very often, I was always so proud of the fact that he was my Godfather - especially walking around campus at Augustana. Margaret always gave me a box of Double Mint Gum for my birthday and I always thought that was very special. Ronnie was a very impressive man and I will always be proud of the fact that he was my Godfather. I think of him often and will continue to do so. My deepest sympathy. David Froiland
Message from Darwin Husby
May 2, 2012 8:38 PM
Dear Joyce, Cindy, Bob, and family,
I just wanted to send you my condolences on the passing of VR.
I know how close all of you have been which makes this time difficult,
but it also gives you lots of love and memories to cling to. Hold on to
those wonderful memories as well as your faith.
Your old friend,
Darwin
I just wanted to send you my condolences on the passing of VR.
I know how close all of you have been which makes this time difficult,
but it also gives you lots of love and memories to cling to. Hold on to
those wonderful memories as well as your faith.
Your old friend,
Darwin
Message from Mark, Gretchen and Grant Noordsy
May 2, 2012 10:43 AM
VR was an inspiration to me – he taught me to fly in real life and personally as well! He was a great man and I was fortunate that he was part of my life. He was very accomplished and openly shared his knowledge to help others learn and grow. I will always have great memories of my time VR and his timeless mentoring. I hope my son, Grant, will find a similar inspiration during his time at Augie (he is a freshman this year).
Message from Glenda Stene
May 2, 2012 10:04 AM
Cindy, Joyce and family,
You have our sympathy at the death of your father and husband. What an accomplished man. I recently golfed with a teacher friend who talked about her physics class with your father/husband at Augie and said he was such a knowledgeable and good professor.
Cherish your memories. God bless you all.
Glenda and Dennis Stene
You have our sympathy at the death of your father and husband. What an accomplished man. I recently golfed with a teacher friend who talked about her physics class with your father/husband at Augie and said he was such a knowledgeable and good professor.
Cherish your memories. God bless you all.
Glenda and Dennis Stene
Message from Janice Woodward-Buus & Donald Buus. Sioux Falls
May 2, 2012 9:36 AM
It is difficult to lose a parent, but, his memories are yours forever. My mother, Doris Amdahl Woodward, was Dr. Nelson's 1st cousin. Our prayers to you and your family.
Message from Barb Rustad-Taing
May 1, 2012 11:50 AM
Dear Joyce and Family Im very sorry to hear of the passing of your nice husband Dr. Ron Nelson . Your all in my thoughts and prayers . Joyce you were such a wonderful and nice neighbor to my Late Dear Parents Dr. H.C. Rus Rustad and Beverly Rustad McKillip and me Barb you helped us out on more than one occasion I will never forget you and your kindness Take Care God bless you all Barb Rustad-Taing friends always .
Message from Lori Forman
May 1, 2012 1:24 AM
Joyce, Cindy and Bob:
While saddened by VR's passing, we rejoice in the life he lived. A wonderful educator and a great friend, he inspired students and colleagues alike. My prayers are with you during this time.
While saddened by VR's passing, we rejoice in the life he lived. A wonderful educator and a great friend, he inspired students and colleagues alike. My prayers are with you during this time.
Message from Lisa Hirsch
April 30, 2012 9:48 PM
Very sorry to hear of the families loss. Dr Nelson was always a very good neighbor to Ken & Lorraine .. and he was my first College professor. He will be missed by many!
The Hirsch family .. Lorraine, (Ken), Lisa, Lori & Kim
The Hirsch family .. Lorraine, (Ken), Lisa, Lori & Kim
Message from Jim and Becky Logue
April 30, 2012 7:59 PM
Dear Cindy and Bob,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Becky Logue
We are sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Becky Logue
Message from Mary Meier
April 30, 2012 7:48 PM
Joyce, sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband. May the Lord watch over you.
Message from Earl and Barb Hyink
April 30, 2012 7:11 PM
Cindy, Bob, and family....
Our condolences to you in the loss of Cindy''''s father. It sounds like he was a remarkable man. Thinking of you with sincere sympathy, Barb and Earl
Our condolences to you in the loss of Cindy''''s father. It sounds like he was a remarkable man. Thinking of you with sincere sympathy, Barb and Earl
Message from Adeline Bergeron
April 30, 2012 6:27 PM
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. If it had not been for Docs help my senior year, I wouldn't have graduated with a Math major in 1961. I feel blessed to have known him. May God be with you.
Message from Lowell Jahr
April 30, 2012 5:58 PM
My most sincere condolences to Cindy and Bob and Family in the loss of their father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Dr Nelson in his humble way served both God and man throughout his life. God bless his memory. Lowell Jahr
Message from Coleen (Ellsworth) Johnson
April 30, 2012 4:34 PM
Cindy--Joyce--brother Bob:
You were all so lucky to have enjoyed Doc for so many years. It was always a pleasure to renew our friendship at family gatherings. I''''m so glad Doc (name I knew him as) was presented with his precious grandsons, Adam and Andrew; and then great-grandson Eli! Words simply can not convey the enormousness of his kindness, goodness,abilities and accomplishments. He will probably invent something "up there" that God hasn''''t thought of. Rest in peace, Doc. You deserve the best. Coleen
You were all so lucky to have enjoyed Doc for so many years. It was always a pleasure to renew our friendship at family gatherings. I''''m so glad Doc (name I knew him as) was presented with his precious grandsons, Adam and Andrew; and then great-grandson Eli! Words simply can not convey the enormousness of his kindness, goodness,abilities and accomplishments. He will probably invent something "up there" that God hasn''''t thought of. Rest in peace, Doc. You deserve the best. Coleen
Message from Millie Eldridgr
April 30, 2012 3:08 PM
VR will be missed . I was proud to have know him!!
You all have my heartfelt sympathy. Will keep you all in my prayers.
You all have my heartfelt sympathy. Will keep you all in my prayers.
Message from RuthAnn Wilson
April 30, 2012 3:01 PM
I have so many wonderful memories of Ron over the years. I rmember when he came to visit our family on the farm near Withee WI in his handsome uniform before leaving for the service in 1944. I grew up hearing so many interesting stories about my cousin Ron. Over the years he accomplished so many things that made our family proud of him. But most of all, we were all blessed by his sweet and gentle, vibrant spirit and his loving interest in everyone he met. Blessed by Ron's memory.
Message from Kay Pearson and Jack Mohror
April 30, 2012 1:10 PM
Dear Joyce
Our thoughts were with you as we drove across SD on Saturday. We talked of the times we spent with you and VR. Sweet memories. What a remarkable man he was! And what a remarkable woman you are! May the hole left in your heart begin mending.
All of our love to you. K and J
Our thoughts were with you as we drove across SD on Saturday. We talked of the times we spent with you and VR. Sweet memories. What a remarkable man he was! And what a remarkable woman you are! May the hole left in your heart begin mending.
All of our love to you. K and J
Message from Anne Christopherson
April 30, 2012 12:17 PM
How Gerry and I admired the accomplishments of Ron, but we especially admired the man for who he was - kind, caring, sharing, modest tho extraordinarily gifted. Joyce, you added to and aided him greatly. Cindy, your great abilities were certainly enhanced by your father's guiding. Adam and Andrew (you'll always be Andy), you had a great legacy to grow up with and be encouraged by. Bob, what a good in-law you had. Love and condolences to you all. He will be missed.c
Message from Kenneth Tiahrt
April 30, 2012 11:20 AM
VR Nelson was a giant among educators and an inspiration to everyone who met him and especially to his students. He illustrated a lifestyle for each of us to strive to emulate. I and many others owe our motivation for whatever achievements we might claim to VR.
All hail to his memory and Excelsior!
All hail to his memory and Excelsior!
Message from Robyn Tyler
April 30, 2012 9:47 AM
Joyce and family;
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a great legacy Dr. Nelson leaves through his accomplishments, daughter and grand children. You have been one of the most influential people in my life and I want you to know you ar ein my thoughts and prayers. May your faith and memories give you strength in saying good bye to your life partner.
God's Blessings and with sympathy;
Robyn Tyler, RN, MS
Augie Class of 1983
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a great legacy Dr. Nelson leaves through his accomplishments, daughter and grand children. You have been one of the most influential people in my life and I want you to know you ar ein my thoughts and prayers. May your faith and memories give you strength in saying good bye to your life partner.
God's Blessings and with sympathy;
Robyn Tyler, RN, MS
Augie Class of 1983
Message from Dan and Joannie Holdhusen
April 30, 2012 9:19 AM
Joyce and family - We were saddened to hear about VR's death. What an incredibly brilliant and outstanding man he was. But, what transcended his intellect and creativity was his kindness, compassion and great capacity to love...his family and all those he met.
I (Dan) was privileged to know you both over the years, and always came away from our encounters with my spirit lifted. May our Lord comfort you as you mourn VR's loss. He will always be remembered.
I (Dan) was privileged to know you both over the years, and always came away from our encounters with my spirit lifted. May our Lord comfort you as you mourn VR's loss. He will always be remembered.
Message from Mike Flynn
April 30, 2012 9:02 AM
Joyce, Bob, and Cindy
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers go with you. V.R. truly made a difference in the lives of Augustana students. Mike & Sue Flynn
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers go with you. V.R. truly made a difference in the lives of Augustana students. Mike & Sue Flynn
Message from Ron Gullickson
April 30, 2012 8:53 AM
My condolences to the family of Dr. Nelson on the loss of your loved one. I was one of his students at Augustana in the early 60''s. His flight ground school class was one of my favorites. God Bless.
Message from Kristi Worden
April 30, 2012 7:34 AM
Joyce, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of VR. I pray for comfort during these upcoming days.
Message from Martin Fisher and Linda Hemminger Fisher
April 29, 2012 6:51 PM
We are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man and an inspiring instructor! Prayers are sent your way! Blessings to you all. Linda
Message from Robb & Barbara Schmidt
April 29, 2012 6:35 PM
Cindy and Bob,
Sorry to hear about VR , he was a great man at a top institution!
Forever Blue & Gold,
Robb Schmidt
Sorry to hear about VR , he was a great man at a top institution!
Forever Blue & Gold,
Robb Schmidt
Message from Roger & Karen Ellsworth
April 29, 2012 10:21 AM
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God lay His loving hand upon you in your sadness. V. R. was a wonderful man who walked in God''s path and influenced many in a positive way. What a blessing he was. He will be missed.
Yours In Christ,
Roger & Karen Ellsworth
Yours In Christ,
Roger & Karen Ellsworth
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