William Nelson

William James Nelson (Bill) William J. Nelson passed into heaven on September 13th, 2008 at Altru Hospital with his entire family at his bedside. William James Nelson (Bill) was born on September 23, 1928 in Drayton, ND to William and Nellie (Rath) Nelson. He attended Drayton Elementary School and Drayton High School graduating in 1946. He moved to Grand Forks where he worked for Bridgeman Creameries. He married Dorothy Schumacher on June 29, 1951. Bill served in the US Army from 1950 - 1953. After Basic training he was shipped to Germany and Austria with the Occupational forces until his discharge in 1953. Bill and Dottie resided in Grand Forks where Bill worked for Gaffaney Office Supply until 1963. He accepted a position with Victor Comptometer Corporation which took them to Huntington Beach, CA where they resided until 1972. In 1972, Bill had the opportunity to return to Gaffaneys as a sales manager. In 1983 he owned and managed Uniforms Inc. He remained in that position until his retirement in 1993. Bill and Dottie spent many years traveling in their RV throughout the USA taking family with them whenever possible. For the last 11 years they have spent their winters in Sierra Vista, AZ Bill is survived by his wife, Dottie and three children, Debra Johnson(Les); Robert Nelson (Chi); and Jackie Nelson. 6 Grandchildren, Scott Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Shaun Johnson, Cory Nelson, Cameron Nelson, Casey Nelson and 2 step grandsons, Christopher and Michael Scogin; one brother, Kenny Nelson (Kathy) and two sisters, Peggy and Donna Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Keith and 3 sisters, Marjorie Spellmeyer, Betty Meyer and Shirley Ann Gense.