Norman Nelson

Norman Eugene Nelson, born August 22, 1943, in Rockford, Illinois, to parents William Charles and Blanche Nelson. Sisters Connie Kelley and Debbie Bogdonas (Larry), both currently live in Rockford Illinois. Brothers Lee and Denny Nelson are deceased.

Norman served in the Navy from 1961 to 1964 as an e3 seaman as a Barber. Served on the DD USS Waldron 1961-1962, USS Berkely 1962-1963, DD Alfred Cunningham 1964-1964.

Norman married Martha (Martie) Nelson January 4, 1964, in San Francisco, and worked there in Law Enforcement until they moved to Petaluma, California, and he served with the Petaluma Police Department for several years.

They moved to Oregon and Norman was employed in Douglas County as a Sheriff Deputy in May 1978. He was promoted to Corporal in 1983, then promoted to Sergeant in August 1985. He transferred to Lieutenant in June of 1997 and retired in June 2002, went back to work again in July 2002 as a chip master, then went to work in court security in September 2002 until his retirement in 2004.

Norman leaves two daughters, Laura Bland and her husband Damon in Canyonville; Cheryl Kane and her husband Ethan in Winston; Grandson, Gregory Kane and fiancé Madison Dyer in Portland; and step-daughter Alyssa Caballero in Roseburg. Granddaughter Ariel Kane in Portland. Granddaughter Danielle Kane and Great Grandson Leroy Buelle. Grandson Sean Bland and his wife Heather Overbay Bland. Lance Bland and his wife Emma Bland, Great Grandsons Liam and Luke. Tiffany Bland, granddaughter.

Norman and his wife, Martie, traveled to several different countries in the world enjoying the cultures, food, and people. They were married 53 years. During the last years, Martie was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia and passed away in 2017 with Norm by her side.

In 2018, Norm remarried his second wife, Deborah (Debbie), May 4, 2018. They were able to travel in Hawaii, Alaska, and Oregon for a short time until his physical problems did not allow.

Norman was a Christian and attended Journey Church Roseburg on Diamond Lake serving as an Elder in the church. He was part of three Small Home Groups.

Norman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in August 2025 and passed away Tuesday May 12, 2026. His wife, Deborah Nelson (Debbie), survives.

The funeral service will be held at the Journey Church 1600 NE Diamond Lake Boulevard, Roseburg, Oregon 97470, at 10:00 am Friday, May 29, 2026, followed by a light brunch at the Journey Church. Finally there will be a procession over to the VA National Cemetery at 913 NW Garden Valley Boulevard Roseburg Oregon 97471 with a 21-gun salute, ending with a Bagpipe Tribute.