On October 27, 2023, Jerome Albert Nelson, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend of many, passed away at the age of 89. He transitioned from this life, embraced by his family and into the presence of the Lord.
Jerome was born on May 8, 1934 in Pine City, Minnesota to Vern and Joyce Nelson. He grew up with three sisters, Barbara, Nola, and Kay. He has been married to his wife Martha for nearly 40 years. Previously he was married to Barbara Nelson, with which they had four children together.
At Pine City High School, Jerry excelled as a two sport athlete, competing in basketball and football. He then attended the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he received his Bachelor's Degree. Following his service in the United States Army as a Private First Class Officer from 1956-59, Jerry began a career in the Soft Drink industry. Growing up in a family of pioneering Coca Cola bottlers, Jerry himself became a life long Coca Cola man, leading and managing regions and individual plants including Wausau, WI; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Colorado Springs, CO and Santa Fe, NM. His last stint with Coca Cola / Dr. Pepper Bottling Company of Santa Fe, NM would be his longest tenure as he served one of the last remaining independent distributors in the nation. Through his work, Jerry was known as a well respected leader of large, diverse staff and a wise director of business operations and business growth. He was well liked and remembered wherever he worked.
Jerry was a person of high character, with love for those around him, and always seemed to be the life of the party. He was an avid drummer, golfer and artist. He was simply a guy that people wanted to be around. He was such a stable presence for family, friends and people in the workplace, and has left a legacy that will continue in this life and throughout eternity.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Martha; his four kids, Kristine in Denver; Eric and his wife April, in Dayton, Ohio; Peter and his wife Karly in San Clemente, California; and Matt in Houston, Texas; stepchildren Ben, and his wife Dianne in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Katie and her husband Jay in Honolulu, Hawaii; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; his many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of great friends and colleagues. He loved them all so dearly!
A memorial service will be held in Jerry’s honor on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 11:00 am (MTN), at The Broadmoor’s Pauline Chapel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Reception to follow at address below.
Flowers, cards and condolences maybe be sent to:
Ben and Dianne Slocumb
1332 N Cascade Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MtViewMortuary.com for the Nelson family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17