Obituary of Ralph (Ken) Nelson

Ken Nelson, 68, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014 after a 14- year battle with cancer. He was born March 15, 1946 in Omaha, NE, the 4th son of Gilbert and Faye Nelson. Ken married Lindy (Polk) Nelson on June 29, 1968 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Omaha. He graduated from the University of Nebraska, Omaha in 1971 with a degree in Zoology with a minor in Engineering and began working at Henry Doorly Zoo as a keeper of large cats. In 1973 he was hired by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a Park Ranger in Missouri. His career in natural resource management with the Corps progressed through the years, culminating as Chief of Operations at Kanopolis and Wilson Reservoirs in central Kansas until his retirement in 2009. Ken is survived by his wife, Lindy, his 2 sons, Kris (Katie) Nelson of Rockmart, GA and Josh (Casie) Nelson of Marquette, KS, grandsons Gage Lemaster and Evan Nelson, by 2 brothers Gil (Shirley) Nelson and Ron (Karen) Nelson of Omaha and by several nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Milton Nelson, and infant son Eric Nelson. Ken was a life-long conservationist and environmentalist with an acute awareness and understanding of the natural world. He was always happiest working or relaxing outdoors and was proud to have been responsible for the planting of thousands of trees, creating and preserving wetlands and creating and protecting habitats through drought and floods. He loved all animals and most people, but didn't suffer fools gladly. He was a devoted husband and father who loved sharing good times with his family and friends. He was a loyal fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers even when they lost, and truly enjoyed traveling and flying with his sons and taking road trips in his beloved Corvettes. He was a lifetime member of the Cornhusker Corvette Club of Omaha, and an original member of the National Council of Corvette Clubs. His intelligence, perseverance, kindness and dry sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. As he requested, his body was cremated, there will be no visitation, and a private family scattering of ashes will take place in Montana where he always felt close to God's hands. There will be a celebration of his life and times on Sunday, June 22 at the Swedish Crown from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., 121 N. Main St., in Lindsborg. Memorials may be made in his name to Ducks Unlimited and Smile Train in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington, PO Box 386, Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com