Peter Nelson, 74

Peter Nelson, 74, passed away on Oct. 27, 2025, in Reno, Nev.
Peter was born on Jan. 12, 1951, in Duluth, Minn. He was the son of Theodore and Ann Nelson, owners of the Nelson Funeral Home in Red Oak. Peter grew up in Red Oak, and he graduated from Red Oak High School in 1969. He went on to graduate from Grinnell College in 1973. He earned two MBAs from the Kellog School of Business at Northwestern University, one in Management/ Finance in 1975 and another in accounting in 1977.
In 1979, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he worked on budgets and pricing of most of the major satellite programs. He moved on to Space and Missile Division overseeing budgets, contracts and financial analysis. In 1984, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal. “Captain Peter C Nelson distinguished himself in the performance of meritorious service as the Financial Manager for the Space Booster Program, Requirements and Financial Systems, Space Division, Air Force Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Station, California, from 21 March 1981 to 11 June 1983. During this period Captain Nelson’s complete understanding of complex financial issues and directives, along with his comprehensive knowledge of the complex Titan, Atlas and Scout Space Booster configurations proved invaluable in the successful continuation of production, integration, and launch of the Expendable Launch Vehicle fleet.” While budget officer for expendable vehicles (rockets) he was responsible for the launch pads at Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg AFB. He did pricing on cruise missile engines. He was also responsible for the final budgets of the B1 bomber. He did a one-year remote assignment at Kunsan AFB, Korea.
Peter spent his retirement years in Reno, Nev. In retirement he worked as a tax accountant and worked on community issues in Reno. He loved golf. He challenged himself to become fluent, reading and speaking, in Spanish. He was an avid reader and from a young age he liked to study history.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Ann Nelson; and a sister, Karen Nelson Schrage. Survivors include his sister, Christina Nelson Schwarz of St. George, Utah; his brother-in-law, Stephen Schrage of Chanhassen, Minn., and nieces and nephews, Justin Boyd, Laura Schrage, Kirsten Schrage and Anna Harmon.
A military graveside service will be held May 23rd at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak. The LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to the Red Oak Heritage Foundation or the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Court of Honor.