Leo John Nelson, USAF Retired. Age 81. Leo was born to Carl and Signe Gustafson Nelson on March 20, 1937 in Arlington, SD and passed away March 27, 2018 in Auburn, WA.

Leo was a career military man serving in the US Air Force for over 21 years. His career led him to numerous locations including our nation’s capital where, in 1957, he met Mary Ellen Wroblewski. One year later they were married on May 17th in Forestville. MD and remained so until his death 60 years later.

Leo was very devoted to his family. He loved family barbeques, fishing, going to the Muckleshoot Casino for an evening of fun and also woodworking in his shop. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Survivors include his beloved wife Mary Ellen Nelson of Kent, WA; his loving children Terry (Ruth) Nelson of Spokane, WA, Marie (Tom) Harper of Auburn, WA, Debbie(Jeff) Scott of Kent. WA, Jim Nelson of Kent, WA; grandchildren Tommy (Ashli) Harper, Gary (Heidi) Harper, Shari (Kyle) Nelson, Janae Scott, Derek Scott, Jake Nelson and Jared Nelson; great-grandchildren Blake Nelson, Kate Nelson, Brynn Nelson, Brooklyn Scott and Jaxson Scott and his sister Fern Bovee of Parker, South Dakota. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lloyd, Herbert, and Waldo Nelson, and grandson Joshua Nelson.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Covington, WA and Military Honors by the US Air Force at Tahoma National Cemetery, Covington, WA.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Edline-Yahn & Covington Funeral Chapel, Kent, WA.