Joseph W. Nelson

Joseph Walter Nelson passed away peacefully on October 30, 2023, with his wife and children by his side. He was 75.

He was born February 16, 1948 in Gevena, PA, a son of the late John E. and Julia (Foust) Nelson. He graduated from Commodore Perry High School in 1966. On December 3, 1966 he married the former Kathleen Freeman, who survives.

While a senior in high school he worked for Blazon and after graduation he went on to work at Westinghouse. He decided on the tool trade and apprenticed at Talon and went to Packard Electric in Warren, OH, retiring with 35 years of service as a tool and die maker. 

He was an avid Steeler fan, loved hunting deer and elk and fishing for walleye on Lake Erie. He enjoyed tinkering with cars, trucks and tractors. He created a personal camp and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years; a daughter, Michele (Jim) Renninger; son Walter Owen (Jenelle) Nelson; eight grandchildren, Jay (Eric), Melissa, Trestan (Brady), Trelyn, DJ, Trevis, Josh and Trent; four step grandchildren, Cheyanne, Gabby, Brianna and Caleb; two great grandsons, Joey and Christopher; one step great great grandson, Westin; four sisters, Janet Pazey, Sally Chason, Ethel Nelson and Darlene (Dan) Shearer as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Christine Merchbaker and granddaughter, Heather Renninger.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 3:00 PM at the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Hwy. Sheakleyville. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00-3:00 time of service. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.snyderfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Robert L., Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Hwy, Sheakleyville, 16151.

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