NELSON, George Roger

The Arizona Daily Star April 11, 2006 Deceased Name: George Roger Nelson June 26, 1920 - April 5, 2006 George Nelson passed away peacefully as he greeted a new day in his Tucson home on April 5th. His spirit is reunited with his beloved wife Elsie, and will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. As loving father of Judy (Doug Wingert) and Mark; adoring grandfather of Chris, Amanda and Erin Wingert, Miles and Benjamin Nelson; and devoted brother to Bill and Jack. George provided faithful inspiration, gentle strength and ready humor which will be missed but never forgotten. Born in Minneapolis in 1920, George returned to the University of Minnesota to complete a forestry degree following his wartime enlistment and proud service in the U.S. Army's European theater. George moved his family to Tucson in 1961 to partner in the ownership and operation of the Frontier Village Drug Store, formally located at Pima and Alvernon. In 1970 George joined the U.S. Treasury Department as an IRS agent in the Tucson office, and was a respected federal employee serving the Arizona sector until his retirement in 1982. Always active and willing to help people, George continued part-time civil service as a trustee of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for many years, earning himself honors and respect from the professional community. Throughout his long and distinguished life, George devoted his time and energy to civic and charitable organizations including the American Red Cross, FBOE, and 30-year membership in the Sabbar Shrine, Legion of Honor and ROJ. His current volunteer efforts included tutoring for TUSD, membership in Friends of the Tucson Public Library, the Postal History Foundation, and support work at Wings On Words pre-school. He enjoyed his full and rewarding life and the company of his large circle of friends. A faithful member and supporter of Catalina United Methodist Church since 1963, George's life will be celebrated with a memorial service on Wednesday, April 12 at 300 p.m. in the sanctuary, 2700 E. Speedway. The Nelson family thanks the church staff and congregation for their loving support and prayers following George's passing. Love and respect for George can be expressed by contributions to Catalina UMC, or the Shriner's Children's Hospital.