Obituary of Marshall D. Nelson

Marshall D. Nelson, 90, of 190 Aldren Ave., died at 4:45 a.m. Thursday, January 24, 2013 in WCA Hospital. He was born April 27, 1922 in Jamestown, the son of the late Oscar L. and Gertrude Johnson Nelson. Following graduation from Jamestown High School in 1940, he enlisted in the US Navy and was discharged in 1946 as Chief Petty Officer, Yeoman. Marshall received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Buffalo in 1949 and was employed in earlier years as controller by WCA Hospital, Crawford Furniture and for 17 years by the Art Metal Corporation. In 1974, he became treasurer of the Chautauqua Institution, a position he held until 1981. Marshall then served as Director of Finance for Chautauqua County, retiring in 1988. His long association with Chautauqua Institution as a summer resident also includes having served on the Institution's Board of Trustees and as treasurer of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle book club, the West Lake Citizens Council, Lincoln Park Condominium Association and Hurlbut Memorial Church. Marshall was a member of the Property Owner's Association and for over 30 years an usher at the Amphitheater's Sunday morning summer worship services. A member of Bethel Lutheran Church for many years, Marshall was organist for 12 years while his late wife, Lillian, was choir director. He also sang in the choir, was a substitute organist and a member of the church finance committee. Marshall presently belonged to First Presbyterian Church. A member and past president of the Jamestown Chapter of the National Association of Accountants, Marshall had been treasurer of the American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation, Jamestown Concert Association, One Hundred Member Club of Jamestown High School, and Jamestown Chapter of Jaycees and Toastmaster's Club. He was a former director of the Chautauqua County Chapter of the American Red Cross and past member of the Tax Committee of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce. Marshall also served on the Board of Lutheran Social Services as a director and treasurer. He was a member of the Norden Club and the Ingjald Lodge #65 Independent Order of Vikings. Throughout the years Marshall enjoyed swimming, skiing, tennis, golf, playing piano and organ, as well as gardening. He was a familiar face at any Jamestown area music or theater presentation. Surviving are two daughters, Karin (Richard) Lewis of Fredonia and Kerstin Gustafson of Yorba Linda, CA; five grandchildren: Ryan Lewis of Philadelphia, PA, Hilary (Brendan) Miller of Webster, NY, Brittney and Megan Gustafson, both of San Diego, CA and Kyle Gustafson of Corona, CA; a sister, Joann (Richard) Seiberg of Jamestown; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Malmberg Nelson, whom he married August 5, 1950 and who died September 23, 1997. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 27th in Bellinger Chapel of First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Wendy M. Heinz will officiate. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Friends will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle or to the Chautauqua Foundation - for The Music School Festival Orchestra, both at P.O. Box 28, Chautauqua, NY 14722; or to First Presbyterian Church, Music Program, 509 Prendergast Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701.