John Edward Nelson III

John Edward Nelson III, 92, of Fullerton, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Cloverlodge Care Center in St. Edward.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Fullerton Community Church in Fullerton, with Pastor Joy Church officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date at Main Cemetery in Belgrade. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

John was born May 2, 1933, on a farm near Belgrade to John Edward Nelson II and Essie (Marlatt) Nelson. He attended District 14 country school through the fourth grade. During that time, he rode his horse, “Bird,” to school each day, turning him loose afterward to find his way back home. He later attended Belgrade Grade School for two years and Timber Creek School District #7 for sixth through eighth grades. He graduated from Belgrade High School in 1950.

While attending Timber Creek School, John met the love of his life, Glenda “Dimp” Omer. Although she was the only student who didn’t send him a card when he broke his leg in eighth grade, the two later became high school sweethearts at Belgrade High School. They were united in marriage on June 15, 1952, at the Presbyterian Church in Fullerton.

John began farming with his father at a young age and rented his first farm at just 17 years old. He dedicated the next 75 years to farming. In 1970, he earned his pilot’s license and later worked as a crop insurance adjuster for RCIS from 1994 to 2010. He enjoyed coyote and deer hunting, bowling, golfing, motorcycling, and playing a competitive game of Sheepshead. He was also a devoted fan of the Nebraska Huskers. He was a member of the Belgrade Volunteer Fire Department and Eagle’s Club.

Survivors include his children, Debra (Ted) Hansen of Kearney, Jack (Jayne) Nelson of Belgrade, and Denise (Jim) DeJulio of Overland Park, Kansas; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda “Dimp” Nelson, and his parents.

Memorials are suggested to the Belgrade Volunteer Fire Department and the Belgrade American Legion.