Elof "Doss" Delos Nelson Jr.

ELOF DELOS “DOSS” NELSON, JR.

was born on January 31, 1926 to Elof Delos and Miriam Elizabeth (Hodgson) Nelson in Independence, Idaho. He was raised in Archer, Idaho and attended school in Rexburg, Idaho, graduating from Madison High School in 1944. On June 19, 1944, he entered the U.S. Navy and served during World War II in the Pacific. After his honorable discharge on June 4, 1946, he returned to Archer, Idaho and worked as a mechanic. On August 13, 1949, he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Kinghorn in Rigby, Idaho. Following their marriage, they lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho where Doss worked installing insulation. In 1951, they moved back to Archer and Doss became a beekeeper there. He was recalled to active service during the Korean Conflict in June, 1951 aboard the Battleship USS New Jersey until August 1952. They moved to Belgrade, Montana in 1956. While living there Doss continued to care for his bees. In 1965, they moved to Pipestone, Minnesota. Doss expanded his beehives so that he was caring for 3,500 hives. During the winters, he moved half of his hives to Texas in order to strengthen the hives. He continued his beekeeping activities until his retirement in 1993. On Wednesday, October 14, 2015, he died at his home at the age of 89 years, eight months and 13 days.

Doss was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was baptized on June 2, 1934 in Archer, Idaho where he was also confirmed on June 3, 1934. He was an active member of his church and served in various callings including elder and high priest. He was also a member of the Masons, the Lions Club and the Shriners. He enjoyed working with computers in his spare time, but his favorite moments throughout his lifetime were spent caring for his family.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Lou Nelson of Pipestone, Minnesota; four children, Arlene Arnold of Montgomery, Minnesota, Sheryl (Gary) Lewis of Truckee, California, Karen (Paul) Willard of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Larry Nelson of Fayetteville, North Carolina; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and three siblings, Delila Weaver of St. Anthony, Idaho, Glen (Melanie) Nelson of Bloomfield, New Mexico, and Lahna Woods of Rexburg, Idaho. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald Nelson; and his sister, Mary Miller.

Memorials are preferred to the giver’s charity of choice.