Edward Nelson, 88, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died June 30, 2012 at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital.

Ed was born on March 19, 1924 in Waco, NE; to Porter S. and Angeline C. (Groff) Nelson.

Ed entered the United States Army on Dec. 16, 1944. He served as a firefighter in the PTO headquarters Co SOP AC BACOM. He was Honorably discharged on July 30, 1946.

Ed married Olive Lenz on June 10, 1947 at Lexington, NE. To this union six children were born Lee, Carl, Billy, Faye, Marjorie, and Robert "Dusty".

Ed worked as a Operator for several hay mills retiring from Continental Grain.

Ed is survived by his wife, Olive E. Nelson of Gothenburg, NE; three sons, Lee Nelson, Carl (Rita) Nelson, Robert (Dusty) Nelson all of Gothenburg, NE, two daughters, Faye Annette Nelson of Sarcoxie, MO; Marjorie Ann (Rich) Rundlett of Callaway, NE; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, five step grandchildren, sister Margaret (Lavern) Zacharias of Hampton, IA; and a host of other family and friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his son Billy, daughter-in-law Marcia Nelson, grandson Russell Nelson, great grandson Dominic, one brother Cornelius Eugene Nelson and two sisters Grace Comstock and Mabel Soul.

Register Book will be available for signing on July 5 from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorial Services will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, July 6, 2012 at 10:00 am with Pastor Larry Viter officiating.

Inurnment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Honor Guard. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.