Marion & Walter Nelson

Marian (Hoeft) Nelson, 91, passed away May 15, 2012 and Walter (Buddy) Nelson, 97, followed her the next day. They both died of natural causes. Walt & Marian were married for 73 years and were rarely apart. Walt was born in 1914 during a bad winter storm on the Nelson family farm on White Bluff Prairie west of Spokane. He was the seventh of ten children born to Carl & Laura Nelson. Marian was born in Spokane in 1920 to John & Florence Hoeft. She was an only child. Walt graduated high school from Lewis & Clark and Marian from North Central. Walt was the drummer in a popular dance band in his younger years. Walt & Marian were married in 1939. He began a lifelong career as a railroad engineer when he went to work for the Spokane International Railroad in 1941 and later for the Union Pacific Railroad, until he retired in 1980. Marian enjoyed gardening. Walt loved telling jokes. They both loved bird hunting, fishing, bowling and spending time at their summer cabin on Spirit Lake. Walt & Marian travelled extensively throughout North America and even made trips to Europe, visiting Walt’s family in Denmark. They were loving godparents to their niece, Robin Briley and nephew, Bob Briley, Jr. They also doted on their great niece Kristin Briley Cowan and great nephews Brett James Briley, Jared Robert Briley & Casey Briley Cowan. Walt & Marian are survived by Walt’s two sisters, Helen Rishel and Doris Briley and brother-in-law Bob Briley and many nieces and nephews who loved them dearly. They are in our thoughts and prayers every day. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 29th at 1:00 p.m. at Riverside Park Cemetery, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA. Please send donations to Hospice of Spokane.