NEILSON, Josiah Stanley

Josiah Stanley Neilson, age 86 of Mesa died December 7th, 2002. Josiah was a retired sheet metal worker belonging to sheet metal workers Union #359. Before coming to Arizona he owned a successful Heating and Air conditioning business in Saginaw Michigan. He was an avid pilot and flew out of Mesa's Falcon Field in his favorite Bonanza. He played lead guitar in a country band with his sons. He loved to play pool and won many trophies at the Chandler Senior center. Josiah was a member of both the Saginaw and Mesa gun clubs. He also competed in National competitions. He served in the United States Army Air Corp and was stationed in England during World War II. Josiah was a member of the Mesa Elks Club. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Phyllis M. Rutherford. Josiah has a surviving brother and friend James B. Neilson and sister-in-law Cheri Klingbell Neilson of Saginaw Michigan. He was preceded in death by his eldest son William S. Neilson of Omer Michigan. His surviving children are Robert J. Neilson of Mesa Arizona, Conrad T. Neilson of Saginaw Michigan, Michael S. Neilson of Queen Creek, Arizona, Phyllis Nielson Whitworth of Queen Creek, Arizona and Patrick J. Neilson of Gilbert, Arizona. Josiah also leaves his very special and loving companion Sylvia Oliger of Payson, Arizona. Josiah has 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He was a member of Catalina Lutheran Church of Catalina, Arizona. Visitaition will be held Wednesday, December 11th at Bunker's Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, also one hour prior to service. Funeral Service Thursday, December 12th, also at Bunker's Garden Chapel, with Pastor Michael A. Morehouse officiating. The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated employees of Alterra of Mesa, AZ for the extraordinary care given our Father. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribtions in Josiah's honor to: Alterra, 6145 E. Arbor Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206 for a nursing education fund. The Arizona Republic December 11, 2002 Buried in Mesa City Cemetery Block 918 Lot 1 Grave 1 Marker -1
Posted by Pat Wilson on January 20, 2010

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