Justin L. Nelson

Justin Louis Nelson (1928 - 2015) Justin Nelson of Cedar Falls died Tuesday, September 29, at the age of 86. Justin had many interests and talents. He was born in 1928 into a musical family, he said. "My Dad and all his brothers and sisters played musical instruments. My Dad's brother, Louis, went on to pursue music and attended ISTC and Eastman School of Music. He was in the Army Band in China during WWII, playing the French horn. My Mother's father, Fred Beaty, played baritone horn in the Finchford Band. Fred's brother, Will Beaty, played cornet and had also directed the Finchford Band, and he also played in the Janesville Band. Will's son, Roscoe, played in the Finchford and Janesville Bands, and was also a member of the Cedar Falls Municipal Band in 1912." Following in his forebearers footsteps Justin joined the Cedar Falls Municipal Band in 1944. For 66 years he played the sousaphone and tuba. It was a source of great joy and pride for "The Old Tuba Tooter". His other musical activities included playing string bass with the Harry Smith Dance Band and singing with The Zionnaires Gospel Quartet. Along with his avid love of music, Justin was also an amazing mechanic and builder. Many may still remember Nelson's Engine Shop, which opened in 1957 and, until 1998, he repaired various things such as lawn mowers, snow blowers and guns. There was almost nothing Justin couldn't fix. Combining his loves of music and tinkering, he even once created a working "garden hose" horn, which could actually make music! Justin is survived by his wife, Darlene Nelson; his son, David Oren Nelson (Christopher D. Caudle) in Somerville, TN; step-daughter, Susan Klousia (David Klousia) in Mason City, IA; step-granddaughter, Elizabeth Klousia (Jacob McLaughlin) in Mason City, IA and step-son, Mark Bliton, in Torrance, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Mae (Beaty) Nelson; a step-son, Dan Bliton; and his first wife, Karen. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 2nd at Richardson Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 3 at Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Falls Municipal Band.

Justin L. Nelson

December 16, 1928 - September 29, 2015