Obituary of William J. Nelson

William J. ?Bill? Nelson, 79, of Wagner Street, Ft. Plain died early Monday morning at Mt. Valley Hospice House. Born on February 8, 1927 in Ft. Plain he was the son of the late William and Cora Hoyer Nelson. He was a lifelong area resident and a 1945 graduate of Ft. Plain High School. Bill was employed for Beech- Nut Nutrition in Canajoharie until his retirement. He enjoyed athletic competition in particular playing baseball and softball. On May 10, 1947 he was united in marriage to Norma Mae Fisk. That union lasted 51 years until her passing on July 3, 1998. Bill was also predeceased by his sister, Ruth McClellan and his brother Donald Nelson. His daughter Donna Cranker passed away recently on October 5, 2006. Bill will always be remembered as a fun person who was able to get along with anyone, and will be dearly missed. Survivors include his two sons, Bruce Nelson and his wife Diana of Florida and William Nelson and his wife Janine of Canajoharie; a son in law, Earl ?Butch? Cranker of Ft. Plain; a brother Franklin ?Bucky? Nelson and his wife Betty of Ft. Plain; 9 grandchildren, 8 great grand children and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11a.m. at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie with the Rev. Dr. R.W. Williams presiding. Interment will take place in the Ft. Plain Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday morning from 9 until 11. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Valley Hospice, in care of the funeral home.