Worthington, MN
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    Jacob John Nels, Jr., 81, was born on September 9, 1927, in Sheldon, IA, the son of Jacob and Gertie (Jongetjes) Nels, Sr. He grew up on a farm and went to school in Sheldon. After high school, he joined the United States Navy. After his discharge, he drove gravel truck for a short time before serving as a policeman and chief of police for over 15 years in Sheldon. Jack was united in marriage to Evelyn Bottin on December 4, 1968, in Sheldon. They moved to Fulda, MN, where he farmed until the early 1980’s. They were blessed with one child, Lucinda, born in 1972. They moved to an acreage near Reading, MN, where they lived until the late 1990’s and then moved to Worthington, MN. Jack was self employed and cleaned several businesses in the area. He was an active member and served faithfully as an elder at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Worthington for over 40 years. Jack enjoyed spending time with family and attending his granddaughter’s different activities. He also enjoyed fishing, biking, coffee at Hardees, reading western novels, gardening, scenic drives around the lake and spending time with family at Cutty’s resort. Jack was often seen leaving the farmer’s market carrying a pie or two. He was a very considerate, courteous and kind man. Jack died on Sunday, February 1, 2009, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
     Jack is survived by his wife, Evelyn of Worthington, MN; one daughter, Lucinda (Tom) Lemke of Sibley, IA; one granddaughter, Ashley Lemke of Sibley, IA; one brother, John (Gertrude) Nels of Cedar Rapids, IA, and two sisters, Theresa (Gary) Meendering of Denver, CO, and Jeannette (Jake) Van Hal of Worthington, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Henry, William and Gary and one sister, Gertrude.
     Services will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Worthington, MN.
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Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.
