1931 - 1989
CPL US ARMY KOREA
Billie, son of Oliver and Bernice Olsen Nelson, was born August 5, 1931 at Harlan, Iowa.
He graduated from Harlan High School in 1949. In 1952 Billie entered the United States
Army. After returning home from basic training he was united in marriage with Marilyn
Popp on January 21, 1953 at the Popp family home south of Manning.
After their marriage Billie spent the next 19 months in Korea.
When he returned from the service they farmed,
for a short time after which Billie worked for the Manning Creamery Company for many
years and later for Blue Bunny. He then worked for Pacific Adhesives and Rural Water
before his most recent position as Water and Waste Water Superintendent for the City of
Manning.
Billie was a loyal and dedicated member of the Emil Ewoldt Post 22 of the
American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517 where he was Past
Commander of both. In addition Billie was a Past Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars
Iowa District 6.
He also served 18 years as a member of the Manning Fire Department.
Billie died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home, 104 Center Street, Manning, Iowa
Sunday, January 29, 1989 at the age of 57 years, 5 months and 24 days.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Billie is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of Manning; by the following children: David
Nelson and his fiancee, Lora Craighton, of Manning; Todd Nelson, of Sioux City; Scott
Nelson, of Iowa City, and his wife, Jane; Jane Nelson and her fiance, Dr. J.P. McNerney,
of Wall Lake; Sara and her husband, Rick Beam, of Manilla; and Barbara and her
husband, Chuck Ramsey, of Manning; by six grandchildren: Marte Wanninger, Mathew
and Jared Beam, Reannan and Jessica Nelson, and Elizabeth Ramsey; by a sister,
Jerrie and her husband, James Savery, of Carroll; by a brother-inlaw, Larry Popp and his
wife, Kathy, of Albany, Oregon; and by a niece, nephews, cousins, other relatives and
friends.