MILLBURY-Gustaf Oscar Nelson, 88, died peacefully on Friday, July 17 at his home. He was born and raised in the Greendale section of Worcester the son of Nils O. and Sofia (Lackstrom) Nelson.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Gladys (Johnson) Nelson; two sons, Ronald V. Nelson of Millbury and Paul D. Nelson and his wife Maureen of Auburn; four grandchildren, Katie, Benjamin, Matthew and David Nelson. He also leaves a daughter-in-law, Joyce Nelson of Worcester; two nephews, Dr. William Johnson and his wife, Pat and Dr. Kirk Johnson and his wife, Linda; two nieces, Linda Krouse and Martha McDermott and her husband, Bill; cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his brother, John G. Nelson and his sister, Anna L. Nelson.
Gus served his country in the Army during WW II in England, France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1945. Gus worked for many years at Norton Company in Worcester and Newton as a machinist, assistant foreman and foreman before retiring. He then worked at Varian Associates as a foreman at their Lexington Division retiring 1981.
He was a member of the Morning Star Lodge where he recently was honored for membership of 50 years as a Mason. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite for 48 years. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Greendale Retired Men’s Club and Vasa Order of American, John Ericsson Lodge.
Gus and his wife, Gladys spent many summers at their trailer at Bears Den Park in Wells, ME, this being their 25th season. He enjoyed being at his trailer, the seashore, going to Masonic and Church meals and his many morning trips to MacDonalds to be with his buddies. Gus also enjoyed going to the former Auburn Racquetball Club for many years and going to the Millbury Senior Center. He treasured the time spent with family and friends.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the UMass Memorial Home Health and Hospice departments for their assistance and to Dr. Kenneth Stevens and Dorothy. A special thanks to Bob and Martha Wilber of Bears Den Park in Wells, ME for their help and friendship.
A private graveside service will be held at Old Swedish Cemetery, Worcester. A Memorial Service celebrating Gus’ life will be held Saturday, August 1 at 4:00 PM at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 200 Greenwood St., Worcester. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 200 Greenwood St., Worcester, MA 01607 or Waterford Congregational Church. P.O. Box 59, Waterford, ME 04088. To place online condolences please visit www.lindquistlundin.com.