Jerry W. Nelson of Safford, AZ, formerly of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest on January 4, 2018 in Tucson, AZ, surrounded by loving family.

Jerry was born in Winona, MN and lived there until entering the military and was stationed in El Paso, TX at Fort Bliss. It was while he was stationed there that he met his future wife, Glenda Rogers.

After his discharge from the Army they lived in several places and then settled in Grant County, until moving to Safford, AZ where he lived until the time of his death. Jerry worked for Kennecott Copper for 21 years before receiving medical retirement. He worked for Air Gas in Silver City, El Paso and Safford.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Glenda (Rogers); daughter Jo Ann Gutierrez (Anthony) of Cliff, NM; two sons, Michael of Safford, AZ and Ron (Amy) of Snowflake, AZ; twelve grandchildren – Michael, Jr. and wife Chelsey; Ryan, Val and Matt Overstreet; Asis and Neysa Gutierrez; Dylan, Maddy, Aiden, Kenna, and Gabe Nelson, and two great-grandchildren, Wyatt (Pumpkin) and Skylar. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Ann Valentine (Bob) of Kansas City, KS; brother Norman Nelson (Loretta) of Oklahoma City, OK; brother Donald Nelson (Marta) of Sioux City, IA; and sister-in-law, Carol Jean Nelson (Lee) of Cannon Falls, MN. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Les, Don and Larry Rogers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be celebrated on Friday, January 12 at 2 pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery will full military honors.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.

To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.