Gerald Nelson

Gerald E. (Jerry) Nelson, age 81, a long time resident of Siren, WI, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2013 at Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center and under the care of Regional Hospice. Jerry was born August 14, 1931 in Kloten, North Dakota to Carl and Beatrice Nelson. Jerry was united in marriage to Loretta (Johnson) of Grey Eagle, MN on October 8, 1952 in St. Cloud, MN. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 and was deployed to Korea from 1953 to 1954. Shortly after returning, they moved to Grand Rapids, MN where he discovered his passion for flying and became a pilot (crop dusting, charter, seaplane, instructor, etc). In 1964, he and his family moved to Siren, WI where he was employed as a pilot inspecting power lines for Burnett County Flying Service. Gerald and Loretta eventually purchased and ran this business until retiring in 2006. They also served as fixed-base operators of the Burnett County Airport. Jerry was an avid fisherman and enjoyed photography. He and Loretta enjoyed spontaneous “road trip adventures” to various parts of the country. Jerry was a long time member of Bethany Lutheran Church and served the community as a volunteer fireman and EMT for many years. Jerry found joy in simple pleasures - making people laugh, a good smoke of his pipe, an afternoon nap, a shrimp and baked potato dinner, a drive along the North Shore, and his favorite past time: spending time with his family. Jerry is survived by his wife, Loretta, of nearly 61 years; three children, Christine, Tim (Margo Melting-Nelson) and Tom; precious grandsons, Joshua and Lucas; sister, Jane Baker; brothers, Robert and Edward (Buzz); many relatives and friends. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law, Kris (Tenley) Nelson. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Internment, with military honors, to follow at the Northern Wisconsin Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Siren Chapel from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Siren, WI. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.