Gordon Nelson

Gordon P. Nelson, 77, of Grand Forks, passed into eternal life, Monday, January 30, 2012 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Gordon was born on May 20, 1934, in Niagara, ND, to Thomas & Cora (Leen) Nelson. He graduated from Larimore High School and then served in the US Army. Gordon attended Wahpeton School of Science and UND. He worked in the electrical trade in seven different states on a variety of jobs including the Air Force Academy, Atlas Missile Systems in Nebraska and a nuclear power plant in Washington State. Gordon married Joyce Renner on April 25, 1959, and together they raised 5 children. Gordon and Joyce opened the first Mexican restaurant in Grand Forks in 1964, the Red Pepper. The family moved to WA state in 1966, where Gordon was in business with his brother, Wesley. They returned to the GF area in 1971. He was a member of the IBEW, serving on the local executive board. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion, having served as post Commander on Bainbridge Island, WA. Gordon found great joy in sharing his faith and gave away thousands of his handmade wooden crosses. He had a great sense of humor and leaves us all with "Precious Memories". Gordon is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joyce; children, Randy of Bothell, WA, Keith of Grand Forks, Lori (Bill) Bartuska of Thompson, Lisa (Dennis) Wigren of Arlington, WA, and Linda of San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Brandi & Nicholas Bartuska, Kate & Kristina Wigren and Erica & Ashley Nelson; sister, Colleen (Ardell) Byzewski of Grand Forks; brother-in-law, Jim Sullivan; sister-in-law, Von Nelson; aunt, Inez Pazderic and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ilene Temple & Carol Sullivan; brothers, Wesley & Gary. MEMORIAL SERVICES: Saturday, February 4, 2012, 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church 1616 S. 17th St. Grand Forks. VISITATION: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service on Friday, February 3, 2012 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church. Visitation will continue the hour prior to the memorial service at the church. INURNMENT: (Spring) Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks.