Nelson, Keith Galen, 80, of New Sweden, in Caribou, on January 14, 2012. Friends and family may call January 19, from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements are in the care of Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, Caribou.
NEW SWEDEN – Keith Galen Nelson, 80, passed away in Caribou on Saturday, January 14, at the Maine Veteran’s Home. Keith was born in Caribou on August 11, 1931, the son of A. Forrest and Madeleine (Fay) Nelson.
Keith served in the U.S. Army both in Korea and in Japan, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He owned and operated Nelson Insurance in Caribou for twenty-nine years and was also involved in farming for twenty years. Keith was a member of the American Legion since 1954 and a member of the VFW since 1978. He played in the New Sweden Band for thirty years, and also played the trumpet in a dance band. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Stockholm. Keith was an avid fisherman. Bowling, poker and cribbage in the winter and golf in the summer, as well as many nights of competitive ping pong in the basement of his office building, were all things Keith enjoyed with his friends.
Keith was the New Sweden Civil Defense Director for three years, the New Sweden Constable for three years, a member of the New Sweden Board of Selectman for eight years, and its Chairman in 1994. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Maine Municipal Association Risk Pool, and a member of its Executive Committee for three years.
Keith is survived by his children, Lori Nelson of Beaumont, TX, Sheri Stone of Stockholm, Nicole and her husband, Jonathan Dower of Syracuse, NY, and step-daughter Gina and her husband, David Eggert of Presque Isle. In addition, he leaves behind one grandson, Greg Olmstead of Houston, TX; granddaughters Ashleigh Stone of Atlanta, Georgia, Brittany Bridgwater of Beaumont, TX, and Sophia Dower, Gabrielle Dower and Grace Dower, all of Syracuse, NY, and Abigail Eggert of Presque Isle. He also leaves behind a brother, Robert Nelson; and sister-in-law, Peggy Nelson of Nobleboro, Maine. Keith was predeceased by his parents.
Friends and family may call on Thursday, January 19, from 6-7 p.m. at Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover Street, Caribou. A memorial service will follow visitation at 7 p.m. at the funeral home, Reverend Phil Devany officiating. There will be a spring committal and burial at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery in Caribou. Donations may be made to the Stockholm Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6, Stockholm, Maine 04783. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.lancastermorgan.com.
