Harold Nelson

Harold Francis Nelson of Marysville, WA passed away April 12, 2026 at home, surrounded by loved ones. Harold was laid to rest in the Arlington, WA cemetery.

He was born in Iowa September 17, 1931 in the farmhouse of his maternal grandparents. He is the son of Albert Oke Nelson and Leona Marie Mettille.

Harold was raised on his parents’ farm in Houston County, MN. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse from grades 1-8. The school was almost two miles from his home.  His only method of transportation to and from school was by walking those miles over hills and fields in all kinds of weather.

At the age of 20, Harold joined the United States Air Force. He completed his basic training in Texas at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX and Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX. He was then assigned to the 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Paine Field, Everett, WA where he served as a jet mechanic and was quickly promoted to Crew Chief.

During his service time, he met and married his wife, Jeannette, in 1953. After leaving the Air Force, Harold was employed by the Lake Stevens School District for several years. In 1972, he moved his family to Riverton, WY, living there until 1978 when he returned to Washington.  He returned to work for the Lake Stevens School District where he stayed until his retirement in 1996.

After that, he again moved to Riverton, WY, staying for 12 years and returning again to Washington in 2009. During his retirement he and his beloved wife traveled frequently throughout the USA. He has been an active member of the American Legion Post 178 in Marysville.

Harold is survived by his son Jim (Patricia); five grandsons: Aaron (Wendy), Shane (Amy), Todd, Kelly and Zachary (Chancey); two granddaughters, Melissa (Jared) and Amanda (Bart); 18 great-grandchildren; his brother Ralph of New Albin; and several nieces and nephews.

Harold was predeceased by his granddaughter Beverly; his brother Joseph; his son Steven; and his lovely wife Jeannette.