Edward J. (Ted) Nelson

April 4, 1929 – August 15, 2021

It is with great sadness that the passing of our father Edward J.(Ted) Nelson, on August 15th, 2021, is announced. He passed away following a severe stroke the previous week.

He was born in Glasgow, Scotland on April 4th, 1929, and emigrated to the United States as a 3-year-old with his Mother Maureen Goff, of Ireland.

He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1947, where he also met the love of his life and mother of their 7 children, Norma. Now they are together again, never to be separated.

Ted's career in the US Navy started on March 9th, 1948, when he enlisted and became an Aviation Structural Mechanic, eventually rising through the ranks to become a Chief Petty officer and then on to become a Commissioned Officer in 1961, where he served as Navigator and Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He retired from the Navy in 1974, as a Lieutenant Commander after 27 years of continuous active duty, returning to Kodiak, AK where he pursued a second career in facility maintenance working both for Rigging International and the State of Alaska.

All during his life Ted had avid interests ranging from shooting sports, where he received many civilian and military medals and awards, to stamp, gem and mineral collecting and archeology. As always he was also involved with his Catholic Faith serving over many years through the Knights of Columbus, rising to the rank Grand Knight, and later also as a Eucharistic Minister.

Ted is survived by his 7 children, 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Services will be held on November 15th, at 9:00AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, located at 11545 E. 40th Street Yuma, AZ 85367. Reception to follow in the meeting hall.