Dean B. Nelson, 89, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2012 at the Forum at the Crossing. Born April 6, 1923 to Arthur Nelson and Ida Jensen in Newell, Iowa, Dean was the youngest of four children and grew up a farmer's son.
Dean attended Morningside College and was studying and listening to the radio when he heard about the bombing at Pearl Harbor and promptly enlisted. Dean most notably fought in The Battle of the Bulge, under the H & S Company 285th ENGR (under Patton) and served for 4 years, being honorably discharged in January 1946. He returned to Indiana upon his sister Elgin's suggestion, and received his journalism degree from Butler University.
In Indianapolis, he met Ruth and they were married April 3, 1948. Together they ran newspapers in Sac City, Iowa and Virginia and eventually moved back to Indianapolis, where he started with the American Legion as Assistant Director of National Security. He then became Circulation Manager of the American Legion Magazine and ultimately was named Publisher and remained there until his retirement in 1984.Dean and Ruth enjoyed traveling the world, boating, golfing, playing bridge and spending winters on Marco Island, Florida. Four years ago, they moved to the Forum, selling their place on Morse Reservoir. Dean was active over the years in the American Legion, the Service Club, the Naval Reserve, and St. Michaels Episcopal Church.
Dean is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ruth; his sisters, Irene and Elgin; and his brother Glenn.
He is survived by his children, Dean B. Nelson, Jr. (Kristen), Pam Storen (Mark), Rae Lembersky (Mark); and grandchildren, Sarah, Grant and Patrick Nelson, Lindsay Harris (Josh), and Drew Storen.
The family would like to thank St. Vincent's Hospice and Alliance Home Healthcare for their kindness and compassion.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012 at St. Michaels Episcopal Church in Noblesville with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Michael's Episcopal Church Building Fund, 444 South Harbour Drive, Noblesville, IN 46062.