John Nilson

John Nilson, age 70, of Hillsboro, Missouri, died on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 2, at 2:00 p.m. at Elim Lutheran Church in Clinton with Rev. Richard Larson officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the time of service at the church on Sunday. Burial will be in the Clinton City Cemetery.

John Eldon Nilson was born on March 12, 1944, in Graceville, Minnesota, the 9th child of Victor and Elin (Johnson) Nilson. He grew up working on the family farm near Graceville. John attended Graceville Public School, and after moving with his parents to Clinton, Minnesota, graduated from Clinton High School. On December 1, 1961, John was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Larson, daughter of Arloe and Inez (Stielow) Larson, at Elim Lutheran Church in Clinton.

In October 1962, John enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country faithfully and proudly until his discharge in July 1984. During his military career, John served at Ft Leonardwood, MO,; Ft Benning and Ft Gordon Georgia;, Camp Casey Korea; Ft. Carson, CO; Minneapolis; Boston, MA; Ft Devens, MA; Ft. Schafter, HI; Augsburg W. Germany; and ending his career with the Inspector Generals Office at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, CO.
During his military career, John was awarded many commendations including: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze service stars; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnamese Cross of gallantry with Palm; Bronze Star Medal; good Conduct medal (5th award); Army Service ribbon; overseas Service ribbon; NCO Professional Development ribbon; Army Commendation Medal; Joint Service commendation Medal; Expert Rifle badge; Joint Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal.

After retirement, John and his wife, Ruth Ann, moved to San Diego, California. There he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and hanging out with good friends. They later moved to their current home in Hillsboro, Missouri, to be nearer to their children and grandson, Jonathan. John and Jonathan have been blessed with many hours of fishing companionship and swapping stories. He also spent much of his retirement serving with the Cedar Hill, MO., VFW Post.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth Ann; children: Rhonda (Ron) Lucas, Lexington, SC; Gwendelyn Nilson, St. Louis, MO; and grandson, Jonathan Lucas, Lexington, SC. He is also survived by four of his sisters: Dolores Mauch, Chokio, MN; Alice (Richard) Stielow Clinton, MN; Betty Tate, Burnsville, MN; and Frances (John) Schultz of Bodfish, Calif.

He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Marles Jane; parents, Victor and Elin Nilson; sisters, Sonja Watkins and LoRene Drewelow; and brothers, Carl, William (Billy), and David.