The funeral service for Gerald Jerry Nelson, 90, Valley City, ND will be 11 am Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City.  Visitation will be 4-6 pm Monday at Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City.  Visitation will continue one hour before the service at the church.  Burial will be in the spring in Memory Gardens.  He passed away Thursday morning, January 16, at his home with his family at his side.

Gerald Kent Nelson was born October 17, 1934, in Valley City to Alfred and Mildred (Velure) Nelson.  He graduated from College High.  Jerry began college but then began working at Valley City Grocery.  He started working in the office and then continued to learn the trade.  He began doing the bookkeeping and became office manager for many years before having the opportunity of purchasing the business in 1975.  Phyllis and Jerry sold their business in 1992 after 42 years in the business.

He was united in marriage to Phyllis Scott on October 28, 1955, in Wimbledon, North Dakota.  They had met at College High.

Jerry was very active in the Eagles organization.  He had been a member for 57 years.  Jerry served in all capacities on the local board chairs and held many state positions including being the Dakota State Secretary for over 20 years.  Jerry’s biggest accomplishment with the Eagles is when he was inducted to Eagles Hall of Fame.   He and Phyllis attended many state and national conventions over the years.

He was a Viking and Twins fan.  Jerry was also a number and score keeper type of person, writing score of games and keeping track of time and appointments down in his pocket calendar.  The most important thing to him in later years was his grandchildren and being able to attend their function.

Jerry is survived by his wife Phyllis of 69 years, sons Michael and Rod (Kathy) all of Valley City, a daughter Joyce (Kevin) Kelly, St. Paul, MN, grandchildren Ryan (Chrissy) Nelson, Lance (Samantha) Nelson and Jarod Nelson (Emily Fletcher), and four great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel.  An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com