Sir Charles T. "Chuck" Nelson's Obituary
Charles, lovingly known as Chuck, was born to Chester and Myrtle Nelson, October 22nd 1939. He grew up in the small town of Canton South Dakota with his brother Jim, and graduated high school in 1957. Chuck attended Dakota State University where he met Lois Ann Nelson, they were married in 1962. Chuck was in the National Guard and called up to action during the Cuban Missile Crisis at Ft. Sill Oklahoma.
After graduating, Chuck and Lois moved to Colorado where Chuck got his Master at Adams State University. In 1964 Chuck and Lois moved to Gardiner Oregon. Chuck taught business and eventually became assistant principal at the high school while Lois taught third grade. It was during this time that the Nelsons became lifelong friends with the Hedges family.
In 1967 Chuck got a job at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. During this time, Chuck and Lois became members of Spanaway Lutheran Church. Chuck and Lois sang in the choir and Chuck served as President of the Congregation, Building Committee Chair that built the current church sanctuary and various other committees. Church was the cornerstone of Chuck’s life.
While serving as the Registrar, Chuck began recruiting students from Scandinavia to attend PLU. Eventually he became PLU’s first International Student Director. Chuck also served on the board of Parkland Light and Water from 1990 to the present.
In 2005 Chuck was knighted by the King of Norway for his service. Chuck retired from PLU and began to work part time for Trinity Lutheran College in Everett while also recruiting American students to attend university in Norway. He sang in the Everett Norwegian Male Chorus and was a member of the Everett Sons of Norway. In 2013 Chuck’s wife Lois passed away.
Chuck was an amazing husband, father and friend to many. Chuck is survived by his brother James Nelson, his three children Bob Nelson, Jerry Nelson, Gloria Tice and by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A celebration service of his extraordinary life will be held at Spanaway Lutheran Church, March 2 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to:
PLU Office of Advancement
Attn: Sir Charles T. Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Tacoma WA 98447
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