Nelson O. Klaner
On May 8, 2023, at age 100, Nelson O. Klaner left family and earth in spirit ending his personal world-life and family associations: sons, Tad Stanley and Glenn Ross; daughter, Susan Lynn; and their families, including seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Nelson’s parents, Otto and Clara May, died many years ago and resided in New Jersey, where Nelson lived with them until he entered the University of Miami on a music scholarship in 1940.
During World War II he enlisted in the Army Air Force becoming a pilot of the B-24 Liberator bomber flying 30 combat bombing missions over southern Europe with the 15th Air Force, 459th bomb group, 758th squadron. Nelson completed college at Montclair Teachers College with a chemistry/science major and minor in English under the provisions of the GI Bill for World War II veterans in 1950, and was employed as a chemist by Hoffman LaRoche while serving as a training officer of a volunteer air reserve training unit.
In later years, he was employed as a personnel representative by Parke-Davis and Company. Following the decline and dissolution of Parke-Davis, he became an educator, teaching sciences and English in junior and senior Michigan high schools until his retirement.
In 1944, he and Helen Irene Kievit were married, remaining together for 65 years and raising their three children. Helen was employed most of their married life until retiring with Nelson in 1988. Upon retirement, Nelson and Helen relocated to North Carolina.
Following Helen’s death in 2009, Nelson was joined in his home by son, Glenn until relocating to son, Tad and daughter-in-law, Linda’s home in Waynesburg, at age 94.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20, in Shepard Memorial Park, 5045 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791, next to Helen Irene.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kesterson-Rush Funeral Home, LLC., 3275 W. Roy Furman Hwy., Rogersville, PA 15359. (telephone: 724-499-5181) and under the direction of Schuler Funeral Home, 125 Orr’s Camp Road, Hendersonville, NC 28972.
Please view and sign the tribute wall at www.kestersonfh.com.