Vincent Bertil Nelson

Vincent was born in Porjus, Sweden, on July 25, 1936. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1954 and continued on to receive a bachelor of science in mathematics in 1959 from Central Michigan University. He went on to earn his masters degree in public administration while at Langley Air Force Base.

Vincent grew up in Escanaba, Mich., and went on to a decorated career in the Air Force. He received his navigator and pilot license and flew high altitude recognizance in a high pressure Mercury astronaut suit. He flew more than 1,000 hours at high altitude above 100,000 feet. He completed survival training, “land and sea”, and flight training in the EB-66 electronic warfare aircraft. He was director of command post at the Torrejan Air Base, Spain, and director of operations at Space Division Los Angeles Air Force Station. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after 22 years in the Air Force on Feb. 24, 1982. Colonel Nelson was a master navigator with more than 4,000 hours flying time. He received many military decorations. He went on to work as a contractor for the Air Force at Falcon Air Base, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Later in retirement, Colonel Vincent Nelson volunteered at the Falcon Police Department, and neighborhood watch program. In Florida, he was very involved with Pelican Island National Wildlife Rescue, Gifford youth achievement center (Angel Tree), Manatee watch, Turtle patrol, and Sea Turtle education,

Vincent is survived by his wife, Karen, of 30 years; children, James Brown, Taiwan, Carlota (Enrique) Madrid, Spain, Mathew, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Andrea (Brett) Tabor, Los Angelos, Calif., Sarah (Michael) Schneider, Arvada, Colo., and seven grandchildren. His brothers Richard of Waukegan, Ill., and Douglas of Boise, Idaho, and many other family and friends.

Vincent is preceded in death by his father Helmer and mother Myrtle, brothers Clifford and Dennis.

Internment with full military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colo.