Brad Nelson

March 14, 2007

Brad Erlen Nelson, son of Erling (Bud) and Arleen (Lagervall) Nelson, was born on January 15, 1957 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He passed away on March 14, 2007 at the age of 50. Brad graduated from Jefferson High School in 1975. He entered the United States Navy in October 1975 and served as a Cryptologic Technician/Linguist in Chinese and Polish until his retirement in November 1995. He was united in marriage on August 16, 1990 to Tina Lavonne Trussel. The couple began their life together in Korea, and were stationed in Italy and Maryland until their return to Jefferson in 2000. Brad completed a degree in Information Technology in 2006 and embarked on his second career. Brad was a lifetime member of Jefferson VFW Post 2963. One of Brad’s greatest pleasures was performing with his family at RenFaire, a festival that provided him a great deal of joy as he took on the character of King Oberon. His most recent community involvement was portraying Father Christmas at Victorian festivals in Iowa. Brad is survived by his wife of 16 years, Tina, and four children: Meri and Jon Nelson, Matt Main (all of Jefferson) and Felicia Myers of Maryland; and one grandchild, Alyssia. Also left to mourn his passing are his parents, Bud and Arleen Nelson of Jefferson; and his sisters, Paula (Gary) and Rande, both of Minnesota. His many friends, family and RenFaire Folke will miss his laughter, his stories and his songs. Visitation will be at the Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson on Saturday, March 17th from 2-4, and on Sunday, March 18th from 4-6. Funeral services will be Monday, March 19, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson with interment at Jefferson Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be performed by VFW Post 2963, Jefferson. Memorials may be directed to the Jefferson Public Library and the American Lung Association.