March 24, 1932 - August 27, 2016
Chester Lyle Nelson, born March 24, 1932 in St James, Minnesota, was the oldest of seven children of Elmer and Hazel Nelson. He grew up and went to high school in Garfield, MN and then went on to attend North Park College in Chicago, IL. After a year of intern ministry in Savonburg, KS he enrolled in San Jose State as a Speech language major. He married Doris G. Wickstrom in April 24, 1955, and then attended Claremont School of Theology, where he received a ministerial degree and was ordained in the United Methodist Church. After serving in several Methodist churches in southern California, he began working for the Boy Scouts of America. He was district executive in CA and WA for 12 years before returning to full time ministry. He completed ordination requirements and was ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1991. He served the Minnehaha Covenant church in Spokane, WA 1990 – 1995, and the Port Allegany Covenant church in Port Allegany, PA 1995-2001. He retired from full time ministry in July 2001, but served as interim pastor for a summer in Lake Bronson, MN, for 1 ½ years in Nelson, British Columbia, and a year at Heritage Congregational Church, Spokane, WA. In retirement he was an active member of Hamblen Presbyterian church, singing in the church choir, coordinating vesper services in Spokane area senior living centers, singing with Project Joy Senior Serenaders, and volunteering with Hospice of Spokane. His wife of 49 years, Doris, died in 2004, and on February 11, 2006 he married Bonnie Jean Colby. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, his three children Lynda Klymko, of Spokane WA, Leslie Thorpe, of Potsdam, NY, and Kelvin Nelson, of Kihei, HI, their spouses, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He was loved and supported by many family members and friends, including Bonnie’s daughters Kim Simpson, Lori Finley, Marci Rader, and their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Throughout his life he was a model of Christ’s love to all who knew him. A Memorial service will be held at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church on October 1st at 2 pm. The family asks that any donations be given to Hospice of Spokane in his name.
