Lawrence Nelson

Larry Nelson, 65, of Omaha, NE, was born on March 4, 1960. He passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, in Omaha, surrounded by family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Larry lived a life marked by steadfast love, quiet strength, and meaningful connection.

He met his soulmate and wife, Dawn Nelson, when they were teenagers. Together, they shared a lifetime of memories, including countless fishing trips and RV adventures at Two Rivers State Park. Some might even say that Dawn-who passed almost six years to the day-called Larry home for more adventures, most importantly to bait her fishing hook and get the RV set up just right at their favorite spot.

Grounded in that lifelong partnership, Larry carried the same loyalty and dedication into his professional life. A proud graduate of Bellevue University, he enjoyed a fulfilling 25-year career with Eldorado Packing, where he became a respected figure in the packing and container industry. His colleagues admired his sharp sales instincts, clever negotiation tactics, and deep knowledge of operations, international business, and pricing strategy.

Beyond his professional success, Larry was deeply reflective and guided by a strong inner philosophy. Though not a believer in organized religion, he was a spiritual man who believed strongly in universal life-force energy. He was also a practitioner of Reiki, using energy healing to help bring balance and calm to those around him.

In his everyday life, Larry found joy and focus in simple, meaningful pursuits. He could often be found playing chess, shooting billiards, practicing Tai Chi, or cruising around in his sports car.

Larry will be remembered for his quick wit, extraordinary intelligence, and the infectious smile he carried everywhere he went. Larry's greatest legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply. He is survived by his children: Toka Nelson; Tessa O'Neill (son-in-law, Ben O'Neill); and Chris Nelson; and by his grandchildren: Winston, Fiona, and Leo O'Neill.

He is also survived by his siblings: Timothy Nelson; James Nelson (Tammy Lawther Nelson); Gerald Nelson (Sandy); Nancy Nelson Henrichson (Dean Henrichson); Monica Nelson Govind (Dileep Kumar Ashwathy Govind); and Cynthia Nelson. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, including one great-great nephew; and by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Wendy Loehr (Kevin Loehr and their children, Valerie and Jake Loehr); John Marks (Jauna Cave, Nicole Cave; Kara Marks, Jacob Marks, and Dustin Marks); and Donald Marks (children, Sabrina Marks and Donald Marks; wife, Zimmie Marks).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dawn Nelson; his mother, Caroline Nelson; his father, Mervin Nelson; his grandparent, Albina Cromey Ourada and Adoph Ourada; his mother-in-law, Valerie Marks; his father-in-law, Donald Marks; his brother, Robert Nelson; and his sister-in-law, Diane Meduna Nelson.

In keeping with Larry's thoughtful and understated nature, a celebration of his life will be held soon, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that donations be made to City Sprouts Omaha's First Community Garden (https://citysprouts1-bloom.kindful.com)