Kermit Nelson Obituary (1923

Kermit G. Nelson June 22, 1923 - October 26, 2018 Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, this 95 year 'young' man was welcomed into the arms of his precious Lord and Savior on October 26th surrounded by those he loved. He was born in Yakima, WA to Fridolf and Mathilda Nelson in their family home, Kermit lived all his life in the Yakima area. He graduated from Tieton High School and attended YVC and Seattle Pacific College. Kermit farmed orchard properties for more than 70 years in Tieton. He served in the US Army during the Occupation in Korea from 1946-1948. Kermit married LaRece Swanson, the love of his life, on August 19, 1950. This year they celebrated 68 wonderful years as husband and wife. Since they were engaged, their life verse has been Psalms 34:3, 'Oh, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together.' They raised three children and joyfully welcomed eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. They are active members of Westside Church in Yakima where Kermit happily, and with great dedication, served the Lord for the past 48 years. Kermit ministered in many capacities, including being an elder, deacon and (along with LaRece) taught the 2-3 year old Sunday School class for 25 years. He was known to hundreds of children as 'Grandpa' and LaRece as 'Mrs. Grandpa'. Kermit was active in the community, serving as a board member of Snokist Growers for 13 years and Summitview Manor - Living Care for 37 years. He was an avid supporter of any activity in which his wife, kids, grandkids or great-grandkids were involved, frequently traveling hundreds of miles in a day to cheer on those he loved. He never had a bad day in his life and incredibly demonstrated his Christian faith and the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. He was a blessing to all who ever met him, deeply respected, honored and enjoyed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fridolf and Mathilda Nelson; brother, Herb Nelson and sister, Doris Ostberg. He is survived by his wife, LaRece Nelson; daughter and family, Patty (Nelson) & Terry Minnihan; Marci (Minnihan) and Baron Baldwin, children Jake Baldwin and Lainey Baldwin; Melissa (Minnihan) and Jesse Sandberg, children Joshua, Jacob and Jackson Sandberg; Matt and Nikki Minnihan, children Leighton and Aislin Minnihan; son and family, Phil and LaDonna Nelson; Deric and Sarah Nelson, children Bryce, Addison and Branson Nelson; Darin and Tawna Nelson; Blake and Lindsey Nelson, children Kennedy and Henry Nelson; son and family, Paul and Lynn Nelson; Eric and Laney Nelson; AnnAlise (Nelson) and Mike Huttula, and baby Amelia Huttula (born the evening of Kermit's passing). The family gratefully thanks Hospice and Cottage in the Meadow for their compassionate and excellent care. A brief graveside service will be held at Terrace Heights Memorial Park on Saturday, November 10th, 2018 at 11:00am. The community is warmly invited to join the family in a Celebration of Life for Kermit on Saturday, November 10th, 2018 at Westside Church (6901 Summitview Ave) at 1:00pm, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union Gospel Mission or to Cottage in the Meadow, and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. SERVICES Funeral service Saturday, November 10, 2018 1:00 PM Westside Church ,