Gary Nelson

(From Parker Mortuary)

The final day of the year 2024 was the day Gary Wayne Nelson left this earth. Born in Northwood, ND, his final resting place will be Langford, SD. He was born on February 28, 1947.

Of Norwegian and Swedish descent, Gary was a gentle, generous and loving man. His childhood centered on visits to the Johnson family farm, hours of baseball and basketball, and collecting coins, stamps, and baseball cards. He graduated from Central High School in Aberdeen, SD and attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where he studied chemistry.

At age 20 he married the love of his life, Lana Langager, and they spent the next 57 years building a joyous life together as soulmates and business partners.

A hard worker, Gary’s first job was as a paper boy, and as a youth he worked alongside his father on rural bread and frozen food delivery routes. He became a retail manager, founded a Wichita-based wholesale Pharmaceutical packaging company, managed the wholesale pharmaceutical firm Pennington Drug in Joplin, MO, and then enjoyed a career as a real estate Broker.

Gary and Lana moved to Joplin in 1986 and were known as The Nelson Home Team during a real estate career that spanned nearly 40 years. They mapped subdivisions in Hillcrest and Briarbrook and helped hundreds of families build or purchase their dream homes in the greater Joplin area.

A leader in the real estate community, Gary served on many local, state and national boards and committees. With Ozark Gateway Association of Realtors, he served as President in 2004 and oversaw the construction of a new corporate office and community building on Florida St. He was elected state president of the Missouri Association of Realtors in 2014, the first from Joplin in more than 50 years.

Gary’s beautiful baritone voice could be heard in school and Lutheran church choirs as well as bedside as he strummed his guitar and sang 1960s folk tunes to lull his children to sleep.

He loved long drives around town with stops for ice cream, road trips, family vacations, bow hunting, playing Santa for family friends, and connecting with people over their mutual interests. He was a member of the Elks and served as Exalted Ruler of Joplin Lodge 501.

His Scandinavian heritage shaped his life, from the Norwegian spoken at home to traditional foods like lefse and rommegrot. He and Lana made many trips to the HostFest in North Dakota and enjoyed its traditional arts, crafts and music.

His love of life was fueled by his unwavering support of the Green Bay Packers. This culminated in him owning a share in the team and a winter trip to Lambeau Field.

He is survived by wife Lana Nelson, daughter Lisa (Ayman Badr), son Matt, niece Nikki Gaither (Jeff), and grandchildren Molly & Emily Nelson and Kenzi & Adam Badr. He was preceded in death by sister Cathy Letherer, parents Clara Johnson and Roy Nelson, and stepfathers Vic Anderson and William Keller.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 2pm at the Elks Lodge, 1802 W. 26th St in Joplin with a reception following until 4pm. A graveside service is pending in South Dakota. In lieu of flowers, please send condolences and memorials to Parker Mortuary in Joplin.