Clifford D. "Cliff" Nelsen

1927 - 2013

Clifford D. "Cliff" Nelsen obituary, 1927-2013, Key Largo, FL

BORN

1927

DIED

2013

Clifford Nelsen Obituary

Nelsen, Clifford Davis "Cliff", 85, of the Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo Florida, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2013 at home after a brief illness. The younger of two sons, Cliff was born on August 30, 1927 in Des Plaines, Illinois, to Daniel Bertram Nelsen, and Loretta Althea Nelsen (nee Davis). Cliff graduated from Maine Township High School in 1945 and The Illinois Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering in 1950. Upon Graduation, Cliff joined the Merchant Marine and served on a number of ships in the Caribbean. In 1954, Cliff joined the crew of the Arctic exploration vessel "Schooner Bowdoin" (Captained by Admiral Donald B. Macmillan) as Chief Engineer for its final expedition. He also served as photographer, and as a reporter for the Des Plaines Suburban Times, chronicling the expedition for the newspaper. Ironically, while reporting on the expedition, Cliff's editor was none other than Cleon Fulle, whom he would marry in 1955. Cliff joined the family business "Nelsen Steel and Wire Company", joining his father, Daniel, and his brother Daniel Jr. Cliff moved through the ranks of the company, becoming President in 1967, until his retirement in 1994 as Chairman. At the time of his death, he continued to serve as the company's Chairman Emeritus. Cliff served as a City of Des Plaines Alderman, chairing its Police Committee. In Washington DC, Cliff served on the Commerce Department's Industry Sector Advisory Committee 7, which advised the Secretary of Commerce on trade matters. He was also on the board of Des Plaines National Bank, Plaines Bank, and Roberts Industries. Cliff's professional affiliations included the Cold Finished Steel Bar Institute (Chairman), The Steel Service Center Institute (Life Member), the Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute (Auxiliary Member Chairman), the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (Associate Member Chairman), the American Iron and Steel Institute, The Young Presidents' Organization, the World Presidents' Organization, the Chief Executive Organization, The Economic Club of Chicago, the World Business Council and the Illinois Manufacturers Association. Cliff was a member of the Ocean Reef Club, The Ocean Reef Yacht Club, The Key Largo Anglers Club, The Barrington Hills Country Club, the Chicago Yacht Club, the Hundred Club of Cook County, and the Hundred Club of Monroe County. An avid yachtsman, Cliff led many Ocean Reef Yacht Club trips to the Bahamas during his retirement, and led the organization as its Commodore in 2000-2001. Cliff was also an accomplished fisherman, big game hunter, beekeeper, baker, skier and candle maker. Cliff is survived by his wife of 58 years, Cleon Delores Nelsen (nee Fulle) "Lee"; their four children, Christina (Straw), C. Davis, Carol (Maurice), and C. Daniel; and 11 grandchildren. A memorial is being planned for late fall, and will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: The Ocean Reef Club Medical Center Foundation, 50 Barracuda Lane, Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo FL, 33037, or the Hospice of the Florida Keys, 92001 Overseas Highway, Tavernier FL, 33070.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jul. 25, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Clifford Nelsen

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

El Capitan, one of the kindest, sweetest men I have ever known

Nancy Hanson

August 21, 2013

A gentleman that I truly admired.

Steve Kendziorski

August 3, 2013

I have very fond memories of my long time relationship with Cliff and his family.

Allan Muchin

July 31, 2013

Cliff was truly one of the kindest men I have ever met. The entire McVicker family extends our sympathies to the Nelsen family. Cliff gave me and my family tremendous opportunies to enjoy life. He was the Guru of CF bars

John and Sandy McVicker

July 26, 2013

Lee - Mary joins me in sending our deepest condolences. We're sure that you will find, as we did when our beloved son died, that the pain will ease with time but the memories will last forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary and John Zick

John Zick

July 25, 2013

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Clifford Nelsen's name

Memorial Events
for Clifford Nelsen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Clifford's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Clifford Nelsen's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more