Gerald Wayne Nelson

Gerald Wayne Nelson, 76, of Vermilion, died Friday, April 8, 2016 at his home after a short illness. He was born June 6, 1939 in Titusville, PA and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 4 years moving from Painesville. Gerald was a veteran of the US AirForce. He worked for Painesville City Schools as a science teacher for 34 years retiring in 1990. He was a member of the VFW Painesville Post 2595 and the Painesville Moose Lodge 490. Gerald enjoyed reading, snow skiing, watching gymnastics, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Deborah (nee Bradarich) Nelson; sons, Christopher and David (Nina) Nelson; daughters, Lori (John) Sasu, Melissa (Rob) Bakeberg, Rachel Nelson, and Sarah (Dave) Jantzi; 12 grandchildren:Kyle, Kory, Karissa, Darrin, Kayla, Dylan, Alex, Carter, Addie, Skye, Rayne, and Daxon; step sons, James (Adrienne) and Justin Brothers; and step daughter, Jennifer Farooque. He was preceded in death by his parents, David R. and Claudia Louise (nee Smith) Nelson; brothers, Richard and Robert Nelson; and grandson, Aydin Ketcher. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 2:30 pm at the Mentor Plains United Methodist Church, 7271 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060. Pastor Byron Bufkins will officiate. Inurnment will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date. Flowers will be accepted at the church or memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society Ohio Division Inc., 10501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com