Edward Neilson

Edward Louis Neilson, 89, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2020, a few hours short of his 90th birthday, of complications of leukemia. “Louie” to his siblings, he was born on February 26, 1930 in Montrose, Colorado to Helen and Elmer Neilson.  He was the oldest of six children. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Lloyd Neilson and sister June Galloway.

Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years Flo (Lustick) Neilson, two brothers Lawrence Neilson (Linda) and Clayton Neilson (Judy), and one sister Nellie Legg (Don).  He is also survived by his sons Paul Neilson (Renae) and Ed Neilson Jr (Laurie) and his daughter Lorri Turner (Darcy), his grandchildren Hailey Turner, Nate Turner, Kelcee Vroman (Ryan), Morgan Pfeiffer (Kelsey), and Taylor Neilson and two great grandchildren Jace and Molly Vroman.

Ed grew up on the family farm hunting, fishing and milking cows while attending school. As a young man he trained to be a pilot and bought a biplane, he loved flying.  He joined the US Navy in 1951.  He was one of an elite group of enlisted pilots in the Korean War and spent nearly four years flying missions. After the war Ed married Flo and they celebrated 64 years together in November of last year. Ed was recruited while still in college by IBM and worked as a computer engineer until his retirement 36 years later.  Ed was an avid farmer, gardener, dog lover and loved the outdoors. He spent many hours hunting and fishing with his family and was most at home in the mountains. He bought a farm in Fruita, CO in 1979, when he moved there for work, and it became his sanctuary. Ed was dearly loved by his family and spent many happy hours with his wife, children and grandchildren throughout his life.

Cremation has taken place and a military graveside service and memorial will take place, at a later date this year.