Jerry Gordon Nelson's Obituary
Jerry Gordon Nelson: December 3, 1928 - January 28, 2023
Jerry Gordon Nelson, age 94, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at his home in San Diego, California having been cared for lovingly by his family. Jerry was born December 3, 1928 in Minneapolis, MN. to Clara and Clarence Nelson. He met his future wife, Bonnie Butler, when their possessions providentially ended up on the same moving truck to Pequot Lakes MN. where his parents owned and operated the summer resort “Chain of Lakes.” After a brief courtship, Jerry and Bonnie were united in marriage in 1951 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines IA.
In their early marriage years, Jerry worked as a draftsman for American Bridge Co. They lived in Minneapolis until 1953, when Jerry’s Army reserve unit was called up to serve at Camp Carson, CO. From there, he received orders for Korea, where he built bridges with the 76th Engineer Battalion. After Jerry was discharged from the U.S. Army, the couple moved to San Diego CA, where he accepted a job as a draftsman at National Steel and Shipbuilding. In 1960, Jerry bought into Welding Engineering Co, a steel fabricating business, which he owned and operated until he retired in 1986.
Jerry was heavily involved in church ministries. For 25 years, he and Bonnie were members at First Presbyterian Church in downtown San Diego. There, he taught Sunday School classes, and was in a fellowship group called the Clipper Club. Jerry also shared the gospel to inmates at the local jail. In 1984, Jerry and Bonnie became members at College Ave Baptist Church. Following his retirement, he began volunteering his services full time at the church. In 1993 he was asked to be the church’s Missions Pastor which he faithfully accepted and served whole heartedly for 19 years. He loved working with new missionaries helping and encouraging them in preparation for the mission field.
Jerry had many hobbies, one of which was a passion for flying. In the early 70’s, he purchased a glider business at Brown field In Chula Vista. He eventually earned his private pilot’s license, and in partnership with two friends, bought a Cessna airplane. Jerry also enjoyed sailing and was a long-time member of the Harbor Yacht Club. He loved taking family and friends for a sail around the San Diego Bay. Jerry and Bonnie enjoyed camping and traveling together with family and friends on vacations and mission trips seeing many parts of the world. Their favorite place was Hawaii where they visited 19 times. They also attended many Family Camps together at Forest Home Christian Conference Center.
Surviving Jerry is his beloved wife of 72 years, Bonnie; their daughter Cynthia Smith (Philip), and son Gregory; and grandsons Trevor and Ethan. Preceding Jerry in death was his sister Joan Thomas.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 13 at 2:00 PM at College Ave Baptist Church, 4747 College Ave. San Diego, CA.
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