Howard L. Nelson

U.S. Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL; the U.S. Naval Receiving Station in Norfolk, VA; and the Patrol Squadron VP 34 in Trinidad, British West Indies.
  • Military specialty: Unknown
  • Awards: Unknown

b. 15 May 1930; d. 11 Sep 2015.  Howard Lyle Nelson was born to Victor and Frieda (Rupp) Nelson in Des Moines River Twp., Murray Co., MN. He grew up on a farm and attended country school districts 108 and 59. He graduated from Westbrook High School, Cottonwood Co., MN, in 1948.

Nelson enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Aug 1950, during the Korean War, and was sent to Great Lakes Naval Station, IL, for basic training.  He served at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL, the U.S. Naval Receiving Station in Norfolk, VA, and at the Patrol Squadron VP 34 stationed in Trinidad, British West Indies.  He received his honorable discharge at the U.S. Receiving Station in Brooklyn, NY in Jun 1954.

After his military service, Nelson returned to the Westbrook area and farmed. On 30 Apr 1955, he married Helen Pierson; they had 3 daughters. Besides farming, Nelson worked in a variety of jobs including construction, farm mechanics, testing milk, and driving ambulance.

Nelson was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Lion’s Club.

Buried at the Westbrook Cemetery, Westbrook, MN.

  • Obituary: Yes