Frank J. Nelson, age 76, died on August 17, 2012 at Island Hospital, Anacortes. He was born May 24, 1936 in Filmore, Minnesota. At a young age, he and his brother Harry were adopted by Ernie and Verdi Nelson and the boys became a part of the Nelson family. They were raised in the St. Paul area. At age 12, Frank became the youngest Eagle Scout in the state of Minnesota.
At the age of 16, Frank left home and joined the U.S. Navy, lying about his age. Frank was a Boatswain’s Mate and traveled the world, including duty stations at Jacksonville, San Diego, NAS Whidbey, San Salvador, Weymouth, MA and finally Argentia, Newfoundland, where he retired in 1974 as an ABF1 (E-6) with over 21 years of service. For many years, he was involved in the operation of NAS Whidbey Island Survival Area, near Polnell Point. While in Jacksonville, he met the love of his life and in December of 1960, he and Juanita were married. She preceded him in death in 1994.
Frank decided to return to school following retirement and obtained his Auto Mechanics degree from Skagit Valley College. For a time he operated an auto shop in Burlington. He closed his shop and went to work for Pan Am as a contract employee in security at Bangor. He returned to Whidbey and worked as a maintenance person at Sunrise Resort at Deception Pass and his final position was as a maintenance person at Whidbey Island Manor. On December 20, 2008, Frank was married to the former Mary Libby in Oak Harbor.
Frank enjoyed his horses, hunting and fishing, leather tooling, gardening on his farm, camping and cross country trips. He was also a talented pianist. He was a Mason and Past Master of Garfield Lodge #41 of LaConner and Fidalgo Lodge #77 of Anacortes, F&AM, and a Past Patron of Madrona Chapter 89 and Key City Chapter #91, Order of Eastern Star. For many years he was a Rainbow Dad, supporting his daughter Denise and other girls of Coupeville Assembly #67 in their activities. Frank worked with Troop #59 , Boy Scouts of America with his son Frank and made many wreaths over the years.
Frank is survived by his wife Mary and by three children: Anngillian Goodenough of Cape Coral, FL, Denise Wiggins and husband Mark of Oak Harbor and Frank Nelson II and wife Jenn of Greenbank and two step children, Robert Hanson and wife Anissa of Hanford, CA and David Hanson and wife Blanca of Oak Harbor and by one brother Dennis Werner and wife Debbie and one sister Pat Michaeloff, both of Minnesota. Surviving grandchildren include Jenna Undestad of Spring Hill, FL, Jessica Flammia, Anthony Flammia and Corey Shade, all of Cape Coral, FL, Jaime Emerson of Mashpee, MA, Erin, Katie and Harvey Wiggins, all of Oak Harbor, John Nelson of Kirkland, Brian Nelson of Kenmore, Lauren Nelson of Oak Harbor and Gracie and Gus Nelson, both of Greenbank. Between the two blended families Frank had many great-grandchildren!
Private family graveside services will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery with military honors provided by the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. Memorial services will be held at Wallin Funeral Home at 1:00pm Wednesday, Aug. 29 with full Masonic Rites with a reception for family and friends to follow. Donations may be made to Rainbow Dads Scholarship Fund or The Foundation Rainbow Girls of Washington and Idaho, c/o the family of Frank Nelson. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
