John A. Nelson

John A. Nelson, 84, of Dannebrog, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, December 15, 2025, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the St. Libory Catholic Church in St. Libory. Father Sid Bruggeman presided.

Jessica Wilkinson and Justine Wilkinson were the readers.

Julie Dush was the soloist.

Musical selections included “Be Not Afraid,” “Here I am Lord,” “Sanctuary,” “On Eagle’s Wings,” “Song for Farewell,” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Pallbearers were Claudia Taylor, John Taylor, Samuel Creed Taylor, Jessica Wilkinson, Justine Wilkinson, and Jake Wilkinson.

Interment was in the Loup Fork Cemetery in Howard County.

Memorials are suggested to the Dannebrog Fire and Rescue Department.

John was born on November 30, 1941, to John and Doris I. (Tagge) Nelson in rural Cairo. He graduated from Boelus High School in 1961. John was united in marriage to Claralynn (Wrede) on August 8, 1970, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Farwell. They had fifty-five years of companionship in marriage. They were blessed with three daughters, Julie, Laura, and Angela. John farmed for several years, worked road construction, and was employed by the ordinance plant in Grand Island and the grain elevators in St. Paul and Dannebrog, retiring in 2003.

John was a member of the Dannebrog Volunteer Fire Department, St. Libory Catholic Church, St. Paul AA, and the Farwell Senior Citizen Group. He truly lived life to the fullest The Phonograph-Herald | December 24, 2025

through life’s simple pleasures. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, playing cards, and woodworking. John will be remembered for his heart-warming “THUMBS UP!” His family was very pleased with his courage and positive growth in his forty-six years of sobriety.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Claralynn Nelson of Dannebrog; children, Julie (Jason) Wilkinson of Morrill, Laura (Travis) Taylor of Dalhart, Texas, and Angela Nelson of Dannebrog; six grandchildren, Claudia, John, and Samuel Creed Taylor, all of Dalhart, Texas and Jessica, Justine, and Jake Wilkinson, all of Morill; brothers, Olaf (Kathy) Nelson of LaVista and Richard (Linda) Nelson of Boelus; sister, Louise (Tim) Mohanna of Cairo; and eighteen nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Carl Nelson; and brother, Donald Nelson.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jacobsengreenway. com.