Leonard M. Nelson

Leonard M. Nelson, 79, of Plano, TX, formerly of Elkhart, died June 15, 2010 at the Select Specialty Hospital, Carrollton, TX. He was born November 3, 1930 in Chicago to Leonard F. and Wynanda N. (Bultge) Nelson and married Lois K. Olson on October 24, 1953 in San Diego, CA.

She survives along with a son Lee (Clara) Nelson of Elkhart; 5 daughters Linda Steadman of Bethesda, MD, Lori (Rick) Holtan of Eagan, MN, Luanne (Steve) Peterson of Elkhart, Leslie (Kevin) Cain of Plano, TX and Laraine (Allan) Kerr of Princeton, TX; a sister Judy Kickert of Crown Point, IL; 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Nelson retired as executive director of Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that, he worked as national sales manager for 10 years at Kent Co. and 15 years at Advance Floor Machine. He received a B.A. in philosophy at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN and was a Captain in the US Marine Corps, serving in the Korean War. He was a member of the Breakfast Optimist Club and the Faith United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. He adored and was very proud of his family, loved the History Channel, enjoyed photography, music and the theatre.

Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 pm and one hour prior to the 11 am service Saturday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart. Rev. Larry W. Kurtz will officiate. Burial will be at Rice Cemetery, Elkhart where military graveside honors will be rendered by the US Marine Corps and DAV #19.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Olaf College. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.