Apr 01, 2020

Virgil Leroy Nelson (1933 - 2020

Posted Apr 01, 2020 2:28 PM
Virgil L. Nelson
Virgil L. Nelson

Virgil Leroy Nelson, age 86, of a North Platte, Nebraska passed away on March 30, 2020, at Great Plains Medical Center after complications from pneumonia.

He was born November 5, 1933, near Wausa, Nebraska to Fredolph and Violet Nelson. Virgil fully embraced the life of hard work and adventure where he was raised on the family farm and attended country schools near the small Swedish community. He attended Liberty High School and graduated from Wausa High School in 1951.

After attending Yankton College and Luther College, Virgil was drafted into the US Army and served in Korea from September 1953 to August 1955. Upon return, he completed his college degree, earning a BA in Math and Education from Wayne State College in 1957, and later earned his Masters Degree from Colorado State College (University of Northern Colorado).

On August 17, 1957, he was united in marriage to Carol Lee Moline at the United Methodist Church in Wausa. Virgil and Carol were married for 53 years. 

The couple moved to Arcadia, Nebraska in 1958 where Virgil taught math, and served as principal for one year, at Arcadia High School. In 1965 they moved to North Platte when Virgil was hired to teach math as one of the original faculty members of the new North Platte Community College. His teaching career at NPCC/Mid-Plains Community College spanned all levels of math and computer science until his retirement in 1996. Many former students recall Professor Nelson and how much they learned from him.

Virgil’s industrious spirit, natural talents and endless work ethic allowed him many pursuits which included singing in the small country music band, The Mavericks, around central Nebraska (1959-1971, completing numerous construction projects in the summers, and maintaining a mini-farm on his property. He enjoyed playing volleyball with the college faculty team for many years in the city league, as well as bowling and occasional ice skating. His sharp wit, humor and storytelling amused family and friends. 

Volunteering throughout the community during retirement, he worked with Habitat for Humanity, served as President of both the North Platte Tree Board and Buffalo Bill Kiwanis Club. He was selfless in his service to neighbors and friends throughout the community. He and wife, Carol, also enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, Scrabble, gardening, camping and traveling to visit family and grandchildren.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith; and wife, Carol.

He is survived by his son, Wade Nelson of Overland Park, Kansas and his daughter, Heidi (Steve) Reiser of Aliso Viejo, California; six grandchildren Stephanie (Jeremy) Nelson, Samantha (Jerry) Jacobs, Spencer Nelson, Walker Nelson, Matt Reiser and Anna Reiser; and one great-grandchild, Levi Nelson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life service that will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Community College Foundation.

Online condolences and sharing of memories can be directed to www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.