Gary L. Nelson

Gary Leonard Nelson, lifelong resident of East Wenatchee, WA, was born on November 30, 1946, and passed away at home on March 30, 2019. He was 72. Gary was a forklift operator in the shipping department at Alcoa for his entire career. In March of 1968, Gary married Jackke (Ellison), and they remained inseparable for the next 51 years. During their marriage, they welcomed six beautifully rambunctious children. With the birth of each child, Gary and Jackke began to form traditions and hobbies that have carried on through their grandchildren. Every summer, Gary would load the family station wagon for camping trips at Twin Lakes, where the family would gather with cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends for lazy days of sun, fishing, swimming, and huckleberry picking. As the kids grew, Gary wanted a home big enough to accommodate his kids and their numerous friends. So, along with his dad, Leonard, and brother, Roger, they built a home where the kids would have a place to swim, play, and enjoy the bounty of Jackke's garden and fruit trees. Amidst the chaos of raising kids, Gary devoted countless hours coaching their soccer teams and showing up at every school and sporting event. His kids were his life. Once the kids began moving away for college and their own marriages, Gary's interest in coin collecting and history grew. He had a great appreciation for the history of the coins and war relics he collected and frequently spent late nights researching his next treasure. He loved model trains, lattes, holidays, western movies, gadgets, electronics, seafood, and travel. Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He will be missed greatly. Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Lisa (Dortmund); father, Leonard; and his granddaughter, Evangeline. Gary is survived by his wife, Jackke; brother, Roger (Renelle); sister, Sue; daughter, Julie; son, Kevin (Shelly), and grandson, Jake; son, Bryan (Tania), and granddaughter, Josephine; son, Doug (Bridgett), grandson, Parker, and granddaughter, Autumn; son, Matt (Sarah), and grandsons: Jacob and Mikah; daughter, Amanda (Jon), and grandson, Sebastian; niece, Randi (Ty) Marshall; nephews: David and John; great-nephew, Adrian Marshall; and his great-nieces: Skylar Nelson, Brooklyn and Cadence Marshall. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., at Chapel of the Valley, 302 9th St., Wenatchee, WA. Concluding services and interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee.

Gary L. Nelson

November 30, 1946 - March 30, 2019