Section: 321 Lot: 32 Grave: 3

Obituary

Mr. Albin Nelson Jr, 94, of Burlington, died Wednesday, November 25, 2020 peacefully at his home due to complications from Covid-19.
Born December 17, 1925 in West Burlington, he was the son of Albin Victor and Florence (Bush) Nelson. Al graduated from West Burlington Jr High School and Burlington High School. He married Jacqueline Westfall in Burlington September 18, 1949. She died April 8, 1994. He married Wanda Pope of Herrin, IL. September 5, 1994 in Las Vegas, she died February 14, 2017.
He was a member of the greatest generation. In 2017 Senator Joni Ernst came to Burlington where a ceremony at the Auditorium she presented Al a flag that had flown over the US Capital building. He was the only Marine in the State of Iowa that had been in three wars. World War II, Battle of Iwo Jima, Korea and Vietnam that made him an Icon. “We have lost a good one”.
Al received the Purple Heart on the day Tim was born for wounds received in action in Korea. Other battle ribbons include, Presidential Unit Citation, USMC Good Conduct Medal, American Defense, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific, World War II Victory Medal, Occupation Medal, National Defense, Korean President Unit Citation, Vietnam Unit Citation and United Nations Service Medal. Al retired from the USMC after twenty-five years of service to his country.
He was a travelling mechanic for Burlington Northern Railroad, machine operator on the track between Ottumwa and Galesburg and also in the parts department for the railroad, retiring from the railroad in 1987. He also worked for I.A.A.P.
Al volunteered at the Veterans Hospital in Marion, IL. He was a life-time member of Hamilton-Walters Marine Corps. League Burlington, IA, 5th Marine Division, V.F.W. Burlington, D.A.V, American Legion, Marine Corps. Tankers Association, Masonic Lodge of Carterville, IL, Marine Corp. Museum Society of San Diego, CA. He was an avid golfer, wood worker, hobby car show enthusiast and a member of the Blackhawk Car Club.
He was affiliated with Faith Lutheran Church of Burlington, IA and Harvest Time Church of Herrin, IL.
Survivors include four children, Tim (Luana) Nelson of Forney, TX, Rex (Christine) Nelson of Sheridan, IL., Cindy Fitch of Cedar Rapids. IA, and Cheryl (Robert) Kozak of Burlington; Companion Jean Salisbury of Burlington; Ten Grandchildren, Sixteen Great grandchildren and Five great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, son-in-law, David Fitch, two brothers, two sisters, and grandson, Jerry Nelson.
Friends may call Monday, November 30th noon-8:00 p.m. at Lunning Chapel. Due to Covid-19 restrictions a private family service will be held. Military rites will be accorded by the Hamilton-Walters Marine Corps League, Detachment 616. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials have been established for Hamilton-Walters Marine Corps. League Burlington, IA, VFW Post 10102 Burlington, 5th Marine Division, and Every Step Hospice Care of Mt. Pleasant, IA. Memorials may be sent in care of Cheryl Kozak, 11981 Sylvan Heights Rd., Burlington, IA 52601.