Mr. Nels Sheldon Pierson, Galesburg Chapel
77, Boise, Idaho, formerly of Knoxville, died at 1:10 AM Sunday, June 21, 2009 in St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Boise.
He was born July 10, 1931 in Knoxville, IL, the son of Merwyn F. and Isabel Sheldon Pierson. He married the love of his life, Norma Jean Roach on June 27, 1954 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on December 14, 2006.
He is survived by a daughter, Shari (and Michael) Durbin of Boise and 3 grandchildren, Ashley, Ryan, and Stacey Durbin.
Nels was a flight instructor for TWA for 30 years and absolutely loved it.
He served in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War and was stationed in Key West, FL.
Graveside service will be 2 PM Friday, June 26, 2009 in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Military rites will be provided by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285. There will be no visitation. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
I met Nels a couple of times since he moved to Boise. He loved working with kids, doing outdoor education, and wanted to help the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute do its environmental education work. We shared common interests and his excitement about kids and bats were great to share.
I’m sorry he didn’t get to come up to Moscow to see our nature center. I am glad to have known him, even if briefly.