John “Jack” M. Nelson, 92, of Lisbon, ND and formerly of Grand Forks, ND died peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at the North Dakota Veteran’s Home in Lisbon, ND. He had been living there for 3 years and loved it. All the employees and residents were so special, and he was treated so nicely.
John was born on September 2, 1931, in Grand Forks, ND to Bertram and Dorothy (Christianson) Nelson. He spent his youth in Grand Forks and regaled us with many stories of fishing for snapping turtles in the Red River. He grew up with 3 brothers and 1 sister. John served during the Korean War in the United States Army and the United States Air Force from 1947-1951.
John married Donna Mae Hardy on January 15, 1951. He was employed with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad as a carman. Together they had a son, John. Donna preceded him in death on September 14, 1986.
John’s second marriage was to Millie Powers in 1991. She had 3 grown children. They lived together for many years in North Sioux City, SD.
John volunteered at the American Legion in South Sioux City, Nebraska. He was a rifle squad carrier for military funerals. He was an American Legion member in East Grand Forks, MN for 71 years. He retired from the railroad in 1993 after working for 44 years. Later in life he came to Grand Forks, ND to live with his son and wife. Millie went to Colorado to be with her daughters. She died there in February of 2020. John went to the Veteran’s Home in Lisbon in May of 2021 until his time of death.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Donna and Millie, his son John, his brothers, Dale and Rodney, his stepson Rick, and his stepson-in-law Gary Kershaw.
John is survived by his sister, Deanna and his brother Alan, a daughter-in-law Elaine, stepdaughters Jolene Kershaw and Julie Powers. He also left behind grandchildren Lori, Scott, Amy, Matt and Josh, great grandchildren Reid, Shai, Allison, Barrett and Daynarae.
Jack will truly be missed. He could tell a story like no other. (In fact, I think he had a degree in it.) He enjoyed playing cards, watching birds, and fishing in his younger years. He left behind many friends along the way and had a good long life.
Services: There are no services scheduled per John’s wishes.
Burial: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.