Sydney Nelson

Funeral services for Sydney Allen Nelson, age 84, of Albert Lea will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Assembly of God Church.  Rev. Lee Freshour will officiate.  Interment will be at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, at the Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD with Military Honors accorded by Sioux Falls area veterans.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Sydney died Friday, December 9, 2011 at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Sydney Allen Nelson was born on October 27, 1927 to Victor and Ethel (Jensen) Nelson in Sioux Falls, SD.  He grew up in Sioux Falls and attended school there.  Sydney enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country during WWII.  In May of this year, Sydney proudly participated in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.  He was united in marriage to Audrey Powell on February 5, 1950 in Sioux Falls.  Sydney was employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad for 17 years, then worked for John Morrell for 23 years and the University of Sioux Falls in custodial for 10 years.  He spent many years raising pigeons and was a member of several pigeon clubs.  Sydney was a lifetime member of the VFW.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching westerns.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey; children, Sharyl Dimick, Peggy (David) Mines and Scott Nelson; grandchildren, Chad (Gayle) Mines, Dan Mines, Lori (Brad) Nelson, Jacob Dimick, Josh (Layla) Dimick and Elizabeth (Shea) Durbin; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Don Nelson; sister, Lucille Hester; and other extended family members.

Sydney was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Hoelger “Bud” Nelson; sisters, Helen Adams and Bev Stoeckmann.