Raymond D. Nelson, 70, of Sioux City, passed away Friday, December 27 at his residence. Services will be held 11:00 am Saturday at Waterbury Funeral Service. Burial will be at South Creek Cemetery in Ponca, Nebraska. Online condolences may be left at www.waterburyfuneralserviceinc.com. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Ray’s memory, with designation for the Renal Cell/Kidney Cancer Research.

Raymond was born on May 3, 1943, in Niobrara, Nebraska, the son of Donald and Hazel (McCloud) Nelson. He attended schools in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from South High in Omaha. He enlisted in the Air Force in April of 1964. Ray and Elizabeth, his first wife, had seven children. Ray married his best friend and companion, Karen Riley in January of 2009 and lived in Sioux City until his death.

Raymond was an avid Nebraska Husker fan and a member of the American Legion Post 0307 in South Sioux City, Nebraska. He enjoyed driving his jeep on the back roads of Nebraska and fishing with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Karen, his sons: Chris of Omaha, Greg of Phillips, Nebraska, Ray (Nancy) of Omaha, Eric (Loretta) of Kearney, Nebraska, and daughters Stacey (Pat) Jarrett of Omaha, and Ginger (Mark) Dalton of Rolla, Missouri. He was a grandfather to 13 grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, son Brian, and a sister.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris, Greg, Ray, Eric, Stacey, and Ginger.