Flags at half-mast to remember Nelson

WASILLA - The sudden death of one of the city's most influential residents has sparked an outpouring of support for the family of Erling Nelson. Flags at city offices are flying at half-mast to mark the Jan. 17 death of Nelson, one of Wasilla's first city employees who in his later years also was dedicated to preserving local history.

"Recently, a very good friend and neighbor of ours here in Wasilla passed away," Wasilla Mayor Vern Rupright said in recognizing Nelson's passing at last week's city council meeting. "His father, Nels Peter Nelson, was a longtime early Wasillan who worked on the original railroad and Territorial Roads Commission. His mother, Dorothy, was an early Wasilla school teacher and the first woman's basketball coach."

Born in Palmer March 22, 1942, Nelson grew up in Wasilla and was a 1960 graduate of Wasilla High School. He went on to earn a degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1964.

"Erling attended Wasilla High School right in the building that now serves as city hall," Rupright said. "A basketball star who scored 50 points in one game and was a permanent fixture and supporter at local basketball games, Erling was also and accomplished musician, having mastered six different instruments."

Soon after Wasilla incorporated as a city, Nelson helped organize the new municipality as its first city clerk/treasurer, and was also director of public works, Rupright said.

"He retired in 2000, but remained in his childhood home - Wasilla," the mayor said.

In addition to working for the city, Erling helped the Wasilla Historical Society save the collection of historic buildings that are now on display at the old townsite location in downtown Wasilla, Rupright said.

"He was the embodiment of a true son of Alaska," he said. "Erling will be sorely missed."

At the Wasilla Knik Historic Society, Nelson's contributions will be missed, said president Dale Myers.

"The unexpected passing of Erling Nelson marks the loss of a very good man," he said. "Compassion, dedication, honor and integrity are but a few of his admirable traits. (He was) one of those rare men that would make time for helping when help was needed. ... It will be nearly impossible to fill the void both personally and professionally."

Nelson died after collapsing at the Mat-Su Borough administration building in Palmer, according to a letter from his niece, Karen Foster. She expressed thanks from the family for those who attended to him and for the remembrances of him since his passing.

"Many in the community knew Erling through his work at the city of Wasilla, the historical society, the transportation museum, the single father who raised six children or as a Wasilla Warrior basketball super-fan," she wrote. "I knew him in all of these ways and more. ... He was very special to his family and it is a comfort to know that his memory lives in the hearts of our friends and neighbors in the community he called home."

A memorial service for Nelson was held Saturday, and city flags will remain at half-mast through Monday.