Leo W. Nelsen Sr.

Leo W. Nelsen Sr., 102, of Crestwood, Mo., died Aug. 28, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 20, 1911, in Kennard, Neb., to Christian and Bertha (Hansen) Nielsen, who emigrated from Denmark. He married Virginia Troutman on Oct. 27, 1946. Virginia died in 2005. Leo was a veteran and served in the Army in Europe during World War II. He farmed for much of his life near Winside, Neb., and later worked for Boys Town and the Millard Public Schools. Leo and Virginia retired in 1976 and moved to Rogers, Ark., where they were involved in their church and the community. Leo was an active member of the American Legion in Rogers. He was also involved in helping start the A.A.R.P. Recycling Center and the Meals on Wheels program in Rogers. Leo and Virginia moved to the St. Louis area in 2001. Leo is survived by his younger brother, Nels of Wayne, Neb.; two sons, Leo Jr. and his wife, Rogene, of Webster Grove, Mo., and Stewart of Durham, N.C.; four grandchildren, Katy Nelsen of Maplewood, Mo., Sarah Nelsen of Kansas City, Mo., Jessica Nelsen Weiss and her husband, Joe, of Lions Bay, B.C., and Clint Nelsen of Sausalito, Calif.; and three great-grandchildren, Joslyn, Caleb and Levi Weiss. A memorial service will be held for Leo in late September or early October in Winside, Neb. The date, time and location of the service will be announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leo's memory to the Winside Scholarship Foundation, c/o Carol Jorgensen, 85234 568th Ave., Winside NE 68790-5023.