Alton Norman Nelsen, 87, of Blessing passed away at his home on December 13, 2016. Mr. Nelsen was born on June 20, 1929 in Danevang to Hans Jacob and Emilie Andersen Nelsen.

He attended Danevang School and graduated from El Campo High School in 1946 as an honor graduate. He served as the president of the Danevang 4-H Club, and he participated in county fairs throughout the state by raising stock animals and by competing in agricultural demonstrations. Because of his active participation in 4-H, he was selected to be a delegate in the International Farm Youth Exchange Project, where he lived and worked in agricultural communities throughout Denmark.


After graduating from high school, he attended Wharton County Junior College and was a member of the first graduating class in 1948. He then attended and graduated from Texas College of Arts and Industry (Texas A&I) in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering. Upon enlisting in the United States Army, he was stationed in Fort Hood, and after basic training, Mr. Nelsen was selected to attend non-commissioned officer school. He was deployed to Camp Roeder near Salzburg, Austria and served with the 350th Infantry Regiment as a medic.


While stationed in Austria, Mr. Nelsen met his future wife, Frieda Artner. After a brief courtship, the couple married on October 22, 1955 at Danevang Lutheran Church. After marrying, Mr. Nelsen continued his education at Sam Houston State Teachers College by obtaining a Masters in Education. Mr. Nelsen moved back to Blessing and joined the faculty at Tidehaven High School in 1958, where he remained a dedicated and respected teacher for the next 36 years. While at Tidehaven, he taught upper level math and science courses. His greatest pleasure was witnessing his students' successes and maintaining close relationships with them. Any student in his class had no choice but to become "one of his." His former students will fondly remember the phrases - "family friends," "graphite parties," "caution lights," "don't push the panic button" and "I will supply the party favors (tests)."


After retiring from teaching, he returned full-time to agricultural pursuits by farming and ranching on his farm outside of Blessing. He remained an active member of the Matagorda County Retired Teachers Association and First United Methodist Church in Palacios. Mr. Nelsen made two return trips to Austria with Frieda during retirement. One of his greatest pastimes was playing a good hand of dominoes with his family and friends. He also enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow into individuals of whom he was very proud.


He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 56 years, Frieda, his son-in-law Vernon L. Henkes and his brother Gilbert Nelsen. He is survived by daughters Linda Miculka (David); Patsy Simpson (Clay); Donna Henkes Tuttle (Steve); and son, Aaron Nelsen (M'Liss). He is survived by his grandchildren - Brian Miculka; Kyle Simpson (Kendra); Kayla Gostnell (Gary); Jenna Warner (Jeremy); Courtney Henkes; Meredith Nelsen; Amanda Nelsen; and Morgan Nelsen. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Connor Nelsen Henkes; Lilly Simpson; and James Alton Simpson and his brother Daniel Nelsen. His close friend, Nellie Rockenbaugh, will also grieve his passing.

We would like to thank his caregivers Peggy DeLancy and Ginger Wenglar for their love and support during this time. The loss of a loved one is always difficult, but the burden of this loss has been lessened by the care and compassion that Peggy and Ginger have shown to our family.


Visitation will be on Thursday, December 15th, at Palacios Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Palacios on December 16,2016 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Tidehaven ISD, Alton N. Nelsen Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 129, El Maton, Texas 77440.