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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Nelson, Laurence John

Age 83


NELSON,
Laurence John
“Larry”
(Age 83)

Larry was born in Deer Lodge, Montana to Nels and Dorothy Nelson on June 13, 1929 and passed away peacefully on October 2, 2012.


In 1948, Larry graduated from West Valley High School in Spokane Valley, WA.

He joined the U.S. Army in January of 1951 and served in Korea as mobile diesel mechanic.

After returning home, Larry worked 12Ă‚Ë?

years for the Milwaukee Railroad as a car inspector.


On June 17, 1961 he married Mary Joan Judd in Cheney, WA.

Together they enjoyed annual trips to the Oregon coast, serving their church and time spent with loved ones.

They celebrated 50 years of marriage in June of 2011 surrounded by family and friends.


Larry was a graduate of Eastern Washington University in 1963 and afterwards taught 6th grade at Adams Elementary for 24 years in the Spokane Valley until his retirement.

He was very active in the Central Valley Education Association and the Washington Education Association for Retired Teachers.


Additionally, Larry was member of the Inland Northwest Society of HO Module Engineers and the Inland Empire Railway Historical Society.

He found great satisfaction in sharing his love of model trains with family and friends and enjoyed building and adding to the landscapes for his miniature toys.

Larry was also a member of the Masons, Concordia Lodge #249.


Larry was a charter member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and was actively involved in the choir.

It was not uncommon for him to be heard whistling or singing a tune.


He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; brother, Nels Nelson and wife Doloris; and sister, Helen Marshall all of Spokane Valley, WA.

Sisters-in-law: Jean Wagner of St. John, WA; Lois Williams and husband Mike of Othello, WA; and many nieces, nephews, greats and great-greats.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in- law, Larry Marshall and Virgil (Bud) Wagner.
Viewing will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, October 12th at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley.

Masonic Concordia Lodge #249 will lead a graveside service with military honors at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 12th at the Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley.

A memorial service to celebrate Larry’s life will take place on Saturday, October 13th at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2511 S. Pines Rd.

in the Spokane Valley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Union Gospel Mission.