John L. Nelson, 85, of Sterling, passed away April 30, 2012, in Sterling. Visitation, with family receiving friends, will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 7, at Chaney-Reager. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

John was born Aug. 21, 1926, in Peetz to John and Clara (Copley) Nelson. He graduated from Peetz High School in 1946 and then continued his education for another year.

He farmed through the years.

On Oct. 3, 1949, he married Pauline E. Heinze in Denver.

John served on state and local soil conservation boards and was a partner in J&S Flying Association with his brother, Stan.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline E. Nelson of Sterling; son, Gary L. Nelson and wife Connie of Sterling; daughters, Nyla P. Hawes of Dallas, Texas, Nita K. Stebakken and husband Ron of Sterling; sisters, Betty Lockhart and husband Mel of Sterling, Connie Hawes and husband Dennis of Fort Morgan; brothers, Lloyd Nelson and wife Arlee of Burnet, Texas, Jim Nelson of Evans, Arlo Nelson and wife Jody of Albuquerque, N.M., Larry Nelson and wife Esther of Peetz; grandchildren, Michelle DeMarco and husband Nick and their daughter Pauline, Chad Hawes and wife Elizabeth and their son Otis, Stephanie Nelson, Randall Nelson, Parker Stebakken, Kayla Stebakken; sisters-in-law, Lorna Nelson of Sterling and Dallas Nelson of Greeley; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Stan Nelson, Paul Nelson and Lyman Nelson.

Memorials may be made to John Nelson Memorial, or a charity of donor's choosing.