He was born Jan. 9, 1942 in Ong to Clayton and Helen (Johnson) Nelson. He was married to Joyce Samson and three children, Jay, Jill and Jackie were born to the union. Jan was self-employed in the rental property business. He helped with Meals on Wheels and also enjoyed attending events at the Senior Center and The Warehouse. In his free time, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle.
Jan is survived by his three children, Jay Nelson of Bradshaw, Jill (Randy) Shaw of Crete and Jackie (Clay) Bittinger of Henderson; one grandson, Tyler (Katy) Shaw of Pleasant Dale with his great-grandchild expected soon; five granddaughters, Taryn and Tristan Shaw of Crete and Tori of Utica, Jordan and Ashley Bittinger of Henderson. Also surviving is one brother, Dean Nelson of Davenport; two sisters, Diane (Don) Killman of Beatrice and Sheila (Dennis) Witfoth of Lincoln; several nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday Nov. 17, 2016 at Christ Lutheran Church in Davenport with the Reverend Kristin Vanstee officiating. Interment will be in the Ong Public Cemetery, Ong following services at the church. Visitation will be from 1 – 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016 at Metz Mortuary in York with the family greeting friends between 6 – 8 p.m. that evening. Memorials may be directed to the Senior Center in York.