Sylvester Joseph Nelson
September 18, 1922 - March 28, 2011
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Sylvester Joseph Nelson
September 18, 1922 - March 28, 2011
Obituary
Sylvester J. ‘Skee’ Nelson
September 18, 1922 – March 28, 2011
Sylvester ‘Skee’ Nelson passed away peacefully on March 28th after a gallant fight with cancer. Skee was deeply loved by his family, his Atria Woodbridge community, his fellow parishioners at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine, and by many others who came in contact with him over the years.
Skee was born on September 18, 1922 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was the youngest of eight brothers and sisters. After graduating from East High School in 1941, and with the attack on Pearl Harbor, Skee joined the Marine Corp. in 1942. While in bootcamp, Skee volunteered for the newly organized elite Marine unit- Carlson’s Marine Raiders, 4th Battalion, under Col. James Roosevelt. After serving in the Pacific theater from 1943-1945, and receiving two Purple Hearts, Skee went on to serve in Korea and Vietnam before retiring in 1973 as a First Sergeant after thirty years in the Corp.
Skee was preceded in death by his mother and father, his seven siblings, and his beloved daughter Carol. He is survived by his daughter Christine, son-in-law Jim, grandchildren Travis and Tyler, nieces Pat Vanden Avond and Doris Senn, nephew Gene Nelson and his wife Rosa, and many other nieces and nephews.
Skee’s family would like to thank the St. John Neumann and Atria Woodbridge communities, Dr. Siskind, St. Michael’s Hospice and other care givers for their love and support — and last, but not least, the Green Bay Packers for producing a Super Bowl win in Skee’s final season.
Services will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine on Friday, April 8th at 8:30 a.m., with reception to follow.
24 responses to Sylvester Joseph Nelson
Clark Thompson & family says:
April 2, 2011
We do not know Skee as well as many others , but we do know that Skee has always been there for the church, serving in whatever capacity he has been to, even in ill health. His dignity and strength in these closing months has been extraordinry, and inspirational. He is not only a patriot, an outstanding Knight, but more importantly – a man of God. Many a mass has been attended by Skee, always at the rear of the church, no matter the weather, he makes it a point to be there. I wish there were more people like Skee in this world, but I guess God feels he’s now ready for Skee, to escort us safely through the gates of heaven.
Pablo Vivanco says:
April 2, 2011
Dear Nelson family,
Sorry to hear about Skee passing. He will be surely missed at our KofC meetings.
May the Lord bless al of you.
Sincerely,
Pablo
Beverly and Bill Goldapp says:
April 3, 2011
In reading Sylvester’s obituary, I can’t help but be very impressed and proud. We didn’t know him personally, but we know his daughter Christina Guthrie and his son-in-law Jim Guthrie and know their love of him and his passion for the Green Bay Packers. His passion will live on in both of them. I wish we had had the opportunity to meet and know such a great man and hero. We need more great Americans like “Skee”.
Bill Guthrie says:
April 3, 2011
Chris and Jim,
So sorry to hear of Skee’s passing. Didn’t know Skee all that well but I remember a kind, nice man. That’s what I will remember.
Katie and Tony says:
April 4, 2011
Chris, I am so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. He was truely a kind and gentle man. I know you will miss him. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.
Love, Tony and Katie