Obituary of Gerald Carl Nelson

Gerald Carl Nelson, 77, passed away on December 20, 2022, in Venice, FL. He was born in Oakland, CA to Olaf and Virginia Nelson. After graduating Minnesota State College, he joined the Army and fought in the Vietnam War. His time in the service brought him to New Jersey, where he worked for the Wall Township Parks and Recreation. He later worked for the Monmouth County Park System for 32 years and serviced two terms as the Wall Township Deputy Mayor and Mayor.

Gerald enjoyed piloting aircrafts and was an aviation enthusiast. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Elks Lodge. He was most proud of being a Vietnam Veteran and loved his country. Gerald was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings football team and enjoyed cars, motorcycles, boats hunting and fishing and telling his many stories.

Gerald is survived by his wife Carol A. Nelson, stepchildren Sandra (Scott) Barkey, Cathy (Mike) Botti, Diane Stasik, and Matthew (Laura) Stasik, grandchildren Mia Botti, Nicholas Brickle, Michael Botti, Harrison Brickle, Sarah Barkey, Scott Barkey, Giavanna Botti, Connor Brickle, Carmella Botti, Matthew Stasik, and Savannah Stasik, sisters Sherrill (Paul) Schottler and Bree Lampley Walker, brother Eryk Nelson, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 9:30AM on December 28, 2022, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warriors Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/.