Mass of Christian Burial for Johnny Nelson, 87 year old Buffalo man who passed away Tuesday morning at the Amie Holt Care Center in Buffalo, will be celebrated Friday March 28th at 10:00 a.m. from the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo with Father Peter Johnson as celebrant. Visitation will be held from the Harness Funeral Home on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Burial will be Willow Grove Cemetery with the VFW and American Legion in charge of military graveside services. Donations in Mr. Nelson's memory may be made to the Johnson County Health Care Center in care of the Harness Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams in Buffalo.

John Torvel Nelson was born on August 15, 1926 in Dustin, Nebraska to David and Leora Nelson. He started school in Nebraska and moved with his family to Buffalo when he was in the 7th grade. When he was a senior in high school he moved to Sheridan where he graduated from Sheridan High School with the class of 1944. After high school he joined the U.S. Army and served in Japan following WWII. After receiving an honorable discharge he returned to Sheridan where he was a rancher.

He was married on February 26, 1949 in Sheridan to Margaret Uroszek and they made their home in Ranchester. In 1961 they moved to Buffalo where he operated the Thom Ranch West of town. Johnny and Margaret lived, worked and raised their family on the ranch and retired in 1992. After retiring Johnny continued living in Buffalo and worked with his son Wayne on the Thom Ranch.

He was a 4-H Leader for many years and was a member of the American Legion. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed gardening. He especially loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Margaret of Buffalo; one son, Wayne Nelson and his wife Jan of Buffalo; three daughters Theresa McCain and her husband Joe of Gardner, Colorado; Susie Romine and her husband Mike of Buffalo and Donna Nelson also of Buffalo; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, John, three brothers and four sisters.

SheridanMedia.com - Mar. 26, 2014.