Harold Edward Nelson
March 10, 1933 - February 16, 2023
Harold Edward Nelson was born on March 10,
1933 to Oscar O. Nelson and
Stella Keefauver Nelson on the family farm east of Longmont where he also passed away on February 16, 2023. It was land purchased by his grandfather in 1899, making Harold the third generation to farm the land near the St. Vrain River Valley. Growing up on the family farm required learning lessons of hard work and caring for people and animals alike. Attending schools in the St. Vrain Valley, Harold became a graduate of Longmont High School in 1951. He enjoyed playing football and wrestling in school and played trumpet in the band. His favorite part of band was holding hands with his sweetheart, L. June Dumler, who later became his wife. Harold attended Colorado State University. In his freshman year he married June on December 7, 1952. In January 1953 he was drafted into the Army, serving in Korea for 2 years.
After returning from duty, Harold and June began their journey of farming and starting a family. Blake was born August 2, 1956, Laurel came along on September 18, 1958 and finally on May 9, 1961, Sally was born.
Harold raised cows, pigs and the occasional herd of sheep. He grew alfalfa, corn, sugar beets and sunflowers. Expanding his property, he purchased land where he built a new home with his own hands and with the help of his oldest brother Chuck Nelson, and two nephews, Raymond and Charlie. Along with farming, he added extra income to the household by working nights at the Longmont Sugar Factory.
The family attended church at the First Evangelical Lutheran in Longmont where Harold was on a committee to help build the future of the church. He ushered and lent a hand wherever help was needed.
Over the years, Harold was a member of the Last Chance Ditch board putting many hours into keeping head gates running, ditches cleaned and solving disputes among neighbors when not enough water came down the ditch. He also worked at the St. Vrain Sewer plant that was adjacent to his river property and served on the St. Vrain Left Hand Water Conservancy District Board for 35 years.
After raising 3 kids, attending school functions, sporting events, band concerts and over 15 years of 4-H projects, Harold found a new passion -- Team Roping. His son, Blake, introduced him to what turned into his favorite hobby. He became a member of the Old Timers in Longmont, traveling to many a rodeo. He worked and roped at Blake Nelsons Arena for decades, riding, roping and making many friends.
Harold also enjoyed golfing, gambling and traveling to Arizona with his wife. They were able to see Hawaii, Bahamas, Jamaica and Mexico. Early travel was spent with friends made while being a member of the Longmont Co-op.
Sixty eight years and 11 months were happily spent with his wife, June, until her passing. He is also preceded in death by his parents, brothers Chuck and Robert Nelson and sister Eleanor (Ellie) Amen. He is survived by son Blake (Tammy) Nelson; daughters Laurel Nelson and Sally (Leonard) Harvey; his sister Barbara Ann "Johnson" (Rick Price); grandchildren Bo Calkins, Hod and Jody Calkins, Ty and Mala Calkins, Clay Calkins, Nelson and Christine Montierth, Noni Shull and Brett Shull; great grandchildren Camdon, Trevor, Samantha, Daven, Tyler, Owen, Eddie, Ani, Hank and Mayzie; one great great granddaughter Shiloh; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A viewing will be held on Friday, February 24, 10:00am at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 803 3rd Ave, Longmont, Colorado followed by a funeral service at 11:30am. Committal Service will be at 2:00pm at Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Harold can be made to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church.