Gerald "Maynard" Lee Nelson

Gerald "Maynard" Lee Nelson, 82, of Rosalie, NE passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the Wisner Care Center in Wisner, NE.  A visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Walthill, NE, with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.  Burial with Military Honors will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill. Following the burial, the family invites everyone to the Rosalie Town Hall for lunch and fellowship.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.  

Gerald was born on July 24th, 1940 in Walthill, NE to Kenneth & Bessie (Parrish) Nelson. He attended Walthill School, he participated in football, track, class plays, and other activities.  Next to his senior photo, he is described as “A man of few words and much work.” He graduated in 1958 from Walthill High School. On February 25, 1959, he embarked on his journey in the US Army. He often told us of his time sitting in the barracks listening to Elvis Presley play guitar. After his time in the Army, he spent several years driving truck cross country, chasing rodeos, and riding bulls.

On October 9, 1981, he married Rosemary Bouchal. They settled in Rosalie, NE, and spent the last 42 years together working hard and dedicated to raising their family.

Maynard was known for his love of gardening and growing far more than any one town could eat. He also loved the Huskers, rodeos, trail rides, riding horses, and raising calves. In his later years, he began designing some amazing ironwork he would take to all the local swap meets and farmers' markets. Being the hard worker he has always been, he just kept going. Refusing to retire fully, and never enjoying sitting idle.

Maynard is survived by his wife, Rosemary Nelson of Rosalie, NE; children, Lila Dee Nelson of Union Furnace, OH, Beth (Gary) Fletcher of Ralston, NE, Joan Pierce of Rosalie, NE, James (Kami) Pierce of Walthill, NE, Warren Nelson of Rosalie, NE, Dawn Nelson of Rosalie, NE, Ben (Jessica) Nelson of Rosalie, NE,  Chuck Nelson of Millington, TN, and Tristan Nelson of Bancroft, NE; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren; his siblings, Leroy Nelson, Shirley Boecher, Gabe Lyons; and many nieces and nephews.

Maynard is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leland; son, Walter Pierce; and many beloved friends.