Ronald Nelsen passed away on April 2, 2023 at his home in Coos Bay, Ore.  He fell asleep watching a John Wayne movie and slipped away peacefully.  

Ron was born in San Luis Obispo, Calif., on July 27, 1934. He grew up mostly in California and moved from job to job for awhile. He met and married Donna Viola Koertje in Greenville, Calif., on June 11, 1967.  

He later moved to Burns, and lived there most of the rest of his life. He moved to Coos Bay, to live with his son, Ken, in 2009.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ruth Nelsen; his wife, Donna; and his son, James Nelsen.  He is survived by his daughter, Brenda and sons, David, Glenn, Kenneth, Kevin, and Kelly; grandchildren, Geena, Sarah, Jared, James Jr., Kyle, Heather, Zachery, Tyson, Ieasha, and Bruce; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Scottland, Bennett, Taylor, Kayley, Delaney, Jaxon, Jessica, Jayden, Josie, Anthony, Vinnifera, and Rosalina.

A graveside service will be held at the Burns Cemetery on July 22, 2023 at 1 p.m., and family and friends are welcome to gather at the Hines park afterward to fellowship and share memories.