Russell Nelson

Russell Julian Tilford Nelson, age 101, of California, formerly of Garretson, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2010, in Arroyo Grande, California. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, May 8, 2010, at Split Rock Lutheran Church, rural Brandon with visitation one hour prior to services at the church.

Russell was born on June 1, 1908, in Edison Township, South Dakota, to Robert and Bertha (Hokenstad) Nelson. He served in the United States Army in World War II and saw service in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. Following his service, he lived in Los Angeles, California, where he worked many years for Southern Pacific. He married Rebecca Cornelius in 1970. He moved to Garretson in 1973, where he farmed until 2002. He then returned to California in 2003 to be near his family.


Grateful for having shared Russell’s life are his step-daughter, Brenda (King) Lee of Pismo Beach Calif.; twelve grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; three nieces: Mary (Bob) Puffer of Hot Springs, SD, Sharon “Sherrie” (Nick) Berchin of Pine City Minn., and Debbie (Dan) Gouveia of Hines Oregon; and two nephews: George (Susan) Nelson of Fresno Calif. and Gary (Linda) Nelson of Garretson S.D. Russell is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Gladys DeRue and Florence Battles; three brothers: Monte, Vernon and Robert; his wife, Rebecca; his son, Peter; step-son Dr. Arthur Cornelius; step-son Jerome Cornelius.