NEW SWEDEN – Keith Galen Nelson, 80, passed away Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, at the Maine Veterans Home, Caribou. Keith was born Aug. 11, 1931, in Caribou, the son of A. Forrest and Madeleine (Fay) Nelson.
Keith served in the U.S. Army in Korea and in Japan, where he attained the rank of staff sergeant. He owned and operated Nelson Insurance, Caribou, for 29 years and was also involved in farming for 20 years. Keith was a member of the American Legion since 1954 and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars since 1978. He played in the New Sweden Band for 30 years and also played the trumpet in a dance band. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Stockholm. Keith was an avid fisherman. Bowling, poker and cribbage in the winter and golf in the summer, as well as many nights of competitive ping pong in the basement of his office building were all things Keith enjoyed with his friends. Keith was the New Sweden Civil Defense director for three years, the New Sweden constable for three years, a member of the New Sweden Board of Selectman for eight years, and its chairman in 1994. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Maine Municipal Association Risk Pool and a member of its executive committee for three years.
Keith is survived by his children, Lori Nelson of Beaumont, Texas, Sheri Stone of Stockholm, Nicole and her husband, Jonathan Dower, of Syracuse, N.Y., and stepdaughter, Gina and her husband, David Eggert, of Presque Isle. In addition he leaves behind one grandson, Greg Olmstead of Houston; and granddaughters, Ashleigh Stone of Atlanta, Brittany Bridgwater of Beaumont, Texas, Sophia Dower, Gabrielle Dower and Grace Dower, all of Syracuse, N.Y., and Abigail Eggert of Presque Isle. He also leaves behind a brother, Robert Nelson and sister-in-law, Peggy Nelson, of Nobleboro. Keith was predeceased by his parents.
Friends and family may call 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover St., Caribou, where a memorial service will be held 7 p.m. with the Rev. Phil Devany officiating. There will be a spring committal and burial at Maine Veterans Cemetery, Caribou. Donations may be made to Stockholm Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6, Stockholm, ME 04783. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at
www.lancastermorgan.com.