Obituary of GARY LEE NELSON

GARY LEE NELSON, AGE 63 OF Lodi, passed away at his home on December 4, 2004. Gary was born on July 2, 1941 in Harlan, Iowa. He moved with his family to California when he was 4 years old. He attended Lodi schools and graduated from Lodi Union High School in 1960. Having signed up for the National Guard before graduation, he soon left for basic training at Fort Ord, CA. After his basic training was complete he then finished his active duty at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In February of 1962, he met Pamela Jean Nichols who would become his wife. They were married in Carson City, NV on January 18, 1964 and would have celebrated their 41st anniversary this coming January. Their love produced two wonderful, loving daughters. In June of 1961 he started working seasonally at Stokely Van Camp (now Pacific Coast Producers) Cannery in Lodi. In the off season, he worked with his father. The same year he and Pam married, Gary was hired full time at the cannery in the fork lift shop. Within a few years he was the head of the shop which was a position he held for many years. He transferred to the main cannery as a maintenance mechanic/fabricator which he continued to do until earlier this year. In all, Gary was an employee of the company for over 43 years. In earlier years Gary had been a volunteer for Woodbridge Fire Department and was a former member of The Eagles Lodge in Lodi. He was of the Lutheran faith. Gary loved target shooting and enjoyed preparing and reloading his own ammunition. Gary enjoyed the challenge of planning and building projects which he did to perfection. He was a member of Cannery Worker's Union, Local #601. Gary is survived by the mutual love of his life, Pamela. Also surviving are their two daughters, Sherri (Brian) Murphy of McKinleyville, CA and Terri (Randy) Stark of Lodi. He was the loving "grampy" to three grandchildren, Taylor and Katelin Murphy of McKinleyville, CA and Makayla Stark of Lodi; sister, Marlene (Elbert) Watson of Lodi; one aunt, nephews and cousins plus wonderful friends. We've lost a special person, but God has a new angel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Luella Nelson. Funeral services will be held on Friday at l p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home with Chaplain Jim Russow of Hospice of San Joaquin officiating. Interment will be at Cherokee Memorial Park. Visitation will begin on Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to l p.m. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95204-1953. or American Cancer Society, 207 E. Alpine Ave., Stockton, CA 95204.