Carl Herbert Nelson

Carl Nelson, 93, lifelong resident of Goodland, Kansas, passed away on June 22, 2023.

Carl was born on December 17, 1929 to Fred and Ellen Nelson at the homestead northeast of Ruleton, Kansas.  He attended school in Ruleton and Sherman County High School.  On November 11, 1951, Carl married Elmarie Lasley. They had 2 daughters, Carla and Aline.

Carl served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. He was stationed in San Diego, California; Kodiak, Alaska; and Japan on the aircraft carriers USS Valley Forge and USS Boxer during the Korean War.  He attained the rank of Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class. 

After his military service, Carl and his family returned to Goodland to farm in 1954.  Due to a 4 year drought from 1954 to 1958, he didn’t have any wheat crops.  He worked at Burkett’s Dairy delivering milk to schools in the area during those early years.  He then worked with construction companies, in addition to farming, building many homes in Goodland and surrounding towns.  Carl loved farming and used soil conservation techniques before it was a common practice.  He worked hard to expand his farming through the years.  Wheat harvest was a special time when his daughters, grandchildren, and nephews came to help.  Carl and Elmarie moved from town to the Nelson homestead in 1973.  He worked hard to improve the farm.  In 1980 and 1981, Carl was presented the Kansas Bankers Award for his soil conservation techniques.  He received the Windbreak award in 1996.  Carl was proud to be a farmer.

World War II history was a favorite interest to Carl.  He also enjoyed listening to music, even classical music while driving his tractor.  He enjoyed fishing in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado.  Carl & his wife supported 4-H when their daughters & nephews were members. They continued their support of 4-H for over 50 years.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, VFW, and Elks.

Fortunately, Carl and his wife were able to travel abroad and throughout the United States during their senior years.  A highlight for him was in 2014 when he went on a Kansas Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with Aline serving as his guardian. 

Carl was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brothers Melvin, Martin, Harry; and sisters Irene, Esther, and Lucille.  He is survived by his daughters: Carla (Milt) Richter, Aline (Reg) Phillips; 4 grandchildren: Shawn (Katie) Phillips, Dru (Kelly) Phillips, Amber (Andy) Edwards, Erin (Trevor) Schoonover; 8 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made directly to the United Methodist Church or the Sherman County 4-H Council and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons- Russell Funeral Home, 211 N Main Ave., Goodland, Kansas 67735.