Willard Dean Nelson

Willard Nelson

Willard Dean Nelson was born on November 2, 1932 in Lisbon, North Dakota. His parents served on military bases through his elementary school years. The family of 3 moved back to Lisbon, North Dakota and his father owned a grain elevator and after serving in the military went back to the elevator. Wil continued his schooling in Lisbon where he met Barbara Coit at the age of 15. Sweethearts through school, they married on January 10, 1951. Wil enlisted in the National Guard and was deployed in January 1951 to Alabama for 2 years. Honorably discharged for the service, he went to college at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where he and Barb had 4 children by the age of 23. Wil graduated with a BA in business accounting. Boeing in Seattle hired Wil to work in the financial department, so off to Federal Way the whole family went. Wil studied to take the accounting exams, and received his CPA. Through the years Wil worked with accountant firms in Tacoma and Federal Way. Eventually Wil entered into sole proprietorship forming his own business in accounting from which he retired at the age of 60. Upon retirement Wil and Barb moved to Dabob Cove where they purchased property in 1977. They built a beautiful home that was full of memories of family and friends throughout the many years. Wil and Barb absolutely love their gardening, loving the many trees they planted, being out in the fresh air, and maintaining the vegetables. Wil is survived by his wife Barbara and 4 children – Wanda (Julie), Penny, Ed, and Doug. Grandchildren: Sarah, Tim, Adam, Ruth, Ryan, Crystal, (Wesley Nelson – deceased 2010), Alex, and Monica. Great Grandchildren: Cheyanne, Hannah, Arianna, Malachi, Naomi, Blake, Lydia, James, Evanna, Bari, Skylar, Dean, Dash, and Joanna.