Jerry Dean Nelsen

Jerry Dean Nelsen, 77, passed away June 9, 2015, at his home in Alaska.

He was born July 3, 1937.

Jerry served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1958 as a Navy Sea Bee. After his retirement he moved to Alaska in 1994 where he lived until his death. While living in Houston he served as Deputy Mayor of the city of Houston, president of the Houston Fire Department Auxiliary, on the 911 Advisory for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, on the board of Mid-Valley Seniors Inc. and Houston Housing. When he wasn’t working he enjoyed riding his snowmachine and enjoying Alaska’s scenery until his knee and back problems stopped him.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mavis Herring Nelsen; his three children and their spouses, Charles (Connie) Nelsen, Yvonne (Emory) Davenport, and Joanne (Charles) Collier; Chuck (Loretta) Johnson, who was just like a son; seven grandchildren and their spouses, one of whom still lives in Alaska, Nichole (Casey) Hall; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew (Iva) Nelsen and Minnie (Sam) DeBourge; his in-laws Eldred Herring and Estelle Herring; and brother and sister-in-laws, Dallas and Corky Herring.

Arrangements are with Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home.