Cyril L. Nelson

Cyril Lindell Nelson, 102, passed away peacefully at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, Community Living Center, Azalea House, on December 31, 2023. Cyril was raised in Eldorado, Illinois and joined the Army Air Corps in September 1942, where he served in the European Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged in September 1945. In 1946, after moving to Detroit, MI, he met Helen Grubert at the Vanity Ballroom dance hall. (He loved to dance and continued dancing until he was no longer able to do so.) Cyril & Helen married in September 1946. They were married for 65 years, until her death in September 2011. He attended Wayne State University in Detroit, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1950. He worked as an accountant for various businesses until he opened his own business as a bookkeeper and tax preparer. He worked until the age of 99. In his spare time, he especially enjoyed going to dances. His favorite band was the Pat Barberot Orchestra who played music from the Big Band Era at the Jefferson Orleans in Metairie. He also volunteered as a greeter at the National World War II Museum once a week. Cyril was a member of the New Orleans Elks Lodge #30 for 57 years. He served as the Grand Marshall of the Elks Krewe of Jeffersonians Mardi Gras parade in 2022 and 2023. He was a member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Metairie for 45 years. Cyril & Helen were blessed with five children: Elizabeth, Harry (deceased), Wayne (Sammie), Ronald and Paul (Chris). They are survived by six grandchildren: Shaun (Sara), Derrick, Jennifer, Justine, Parker and Pierce and two great-granddaughters: Ellie and Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. Nelson and Ruby L. Goodley Nelson. He is survived by his sister, Anita Nelson Cataline, and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the service at L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home located at 2607 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062 on Monday, January 8, 2024. Visitation is from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Service: 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Cyril’s honor, to the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com

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Cyril L. Nelson

July 25, 1921 - December 31, 2023