Roger was born Nov. 27, 1922, in St. Louis, Mo., to Raymond and Bertha (Moe) Nelson, and grew up in Sand Creek. He graduated from Chetek High School in 1940 and joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. He attended Marquette University and graduated from California State University at San Jose, Calif. He was commissioned ensign and served as a Navy pilot earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart and the Navy Unit Commendation. After retiring from the Navy he was a commercial pilot for several years.
He is survived by wife, Virginia (Hagan) Nelson, of Saratoga; two brothers Eugene (Lee) Nelson, of Yuba City, Calif., and Gary (Rosemary) Nelson, of Bellingham, Wash.; a daughter, Susan (Harold) Bristol, of Buena Vista, Colo.; three sons, Steven (Jerianne), of La Paz, Mexico, David (Cindi) Nelson, of Roanoke, Va., and Rick (Kathryn) Nelson, of San Martin, Calif.; a daughter-in-law, Sheila Nelson, of Redwood Estates, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents, Raymond and Bertha (Moe) Nelson; a brother, Ronald Nelson; a son, Peter (Sheila) Nelson; and an infant granddaughter, Samantha Nelson.
Per his wishes, cremation was requested with Naval burial at sea. The family will have a celebration of his 87th birthday on Nov. 27.
Donations in his memory may be made to the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation, 701 Ave. N.W., Suite 123, Washington, D.C. 20004-2608 or the charity of your choice.
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