RuSearle "Cliff" Nelson

RuSearle Clifford “Cliff” Nelson, 96, a resident of Chinook the past 33 years, died in Astoria on December 30, 2017. A native of Lisbon, North Dakota, he was born April 1, 1921, the son of Franz and Minnie (Jorgensen) Nelson. Later the family moved west to Tacoma, Washington. There Cliff graduated from Lincoln High School. On November 9, 1939 he married Charlotte.

From 1945 thru 1947, Cliff served in the US Army, stationed in France and Belgium. Returning to Tacoma, he worked for a number of years as a automotive mechanic at Firestone Fire and Rubber in Tacoma. During those years Cliff was a frequent visitor to the Peninsula where he enjoyed sport and commercial salmon fishing. Thirty three years ago he moved permanently to Chinook to follow his fishing passion and was also an active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chinook where he enjoyed many events and friendships.

Cliff is survived by sons Ron and Dennis Nelson; sisters Marie Ellen, Charlotte and Joyce; grandchildren Graeme, Geoff, Adam and Alexandra; great-grandchildren Lily, Oliver and Oslo; and several nieces and nephews. Following the death of his first wife, Cliff married Betty who also preceded in in death; as have a daughter Charlene, brothers Roy and Clair, and sisters Florence, Elsie and Ruby.

No service at his request. The family requests memorials to the Alzheimer's Association in Cliff's memory. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.