Clarence "Swede" A. Nelson
September 16, 1916 - January 25, 2015

Clarence "Swede" A. Nelson

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I served in the armed forces.
Maj. Clarence A. (Swede) Nelson, USAR (Ret) Born September 16, 1916, passed January 25th, 2015.

Clarence A. (Swede) Nelson of Fremont, a longtime Fremont businessman and civic leader passed into new life on Sunday January 25th. Swede was the proprietor of Nelson Paint Store in Fremont for over 50 years. He served on the Fremont City Council, the Fremont Public School Board, the Founding Board of Metropolitan Community College and the Governor's Committee on Military/Employer Relations. He was a long time member of Sinai Lutheran Church, the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and the Fremont Noon Optimist Club. He was also an active member of the Fremont Masonic Lodge, No. 15 A.F. & A.M./ The Tangier Shrine Temple of Omaha and the Fremont Shrine Club.

He served in the U.S. Army in World War II as an officer with the 34th Tank Battalion of the 5th Armored Division in Europe and later as the executive officer of the 809th Quartermaster Battalion, now the 394th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserve. He retired with over 20 years at the rank of Major. In retirement, Swede and Vivian lived in Mexico and Sierra Vista, AZ.

He is survived by sons, David of Omaha, Stephen and wife Liz of Eagle, Idaho and Bruce and wife Jan of Fremont, sister Pauline Shaffer of Omaha, 7 grandchildren; Andrew and Rachel Nelson, Katherine and Anna Nelson, Greg Reeson, Erik Nelson and Hollie LaFavor and 10 great-grandchildren, and his dear friend Ruth Siebert.

He was preceded by wife, Vivian Nelson, sisters, Marian Lindeen, Hildur Shelton, Alice Mainwaring, Sylvia Nelson and brother, Thure Nelson.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. The memorial service will be 11am Friday at Sinai Lutheran Church in Fremont with the Rev. Al Duminy officiating. Burial will military honors will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to 'Friends of the National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC.'

Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com

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Visitation
Thursday, January 29, 2015
With Family 6pm to 8pm
Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025
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Service
Memorial Service
Friday, January 30, 2015
11:00am
Sinai Lutheran Church
950 East 8th Street
Fremont, NE  68025
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Interment
Memorial Cemetery
800 West 23rd Street
Fremont, NE  68025
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Condolences(7)

  1. Tom Kelly
    Dave, Steve, Bruce and all of your families, I was so sorry to hear of Swede's passing. So many great memories of Swede and Viv and you guys! I wish I could have been at the funeral to celebrate his new life. I will pray for Swede and Viv and all of you. Swede was a great example to all of us and will be greatly missed. He inspired me to stay in the Army Reserve and Guard so that he and I were in for the same time and retired with the same rank. I wish you all peace at this difficult time. Tom
  2. Fr. Dave Reeson
    Mr. Nelson was a very successful business man, a pillar of the Fremont Community, a great father and an important part of the US Army. He will be missed greatly. While I know there is a life after this one and Mr. Nelson is now at peace with our God, it still hurts when one we love dies. Please be assured of my prayers as you grieve for Swede.
    Dave
  3. Jack & Liz Chase
    Our heartfelt sympathy for the family of Mr. Nelson. My family thanks him for his military service defending our country. May he rest in peace, and may his family cherish sweet memories. How wonderful that he had so many years in living his life. God bless those who helped him and served him during his time on earth.
  4. Greg Matuszak
    Dave, Rachel and the entire Nelson Family,
    My deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of your Dearly Beloved Charles. It is obvious that he had a tremendous zest for life, helping and loving others. I know that God has rewarded Charles for the outstanding life that he lived by having him join His Choir of Angels in Heaven for all of eternity. May the perpetual light shine upon his soul. I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers during this difficult time. All of Dave and Rachel's peer family at AAA has you in their thoughts and prayers as well.
  5. Nancy Furstenau-Boyles
    To Swede's family,
    My thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. I remember working across the street from him. He was quite the character and loved talking to him. May he Rest in the Arms of the Lord.
  6. Mike Gaddie
    A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Always cherish the good times and memories that you have. Take strength from your family and friends during these trying times.
  7. KENNETH NEWBURN
    Dave, Rachel, and the Nelson Family, my prayers are for you and may the Peace of God dwell with you during this time.
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