Vern Nelson

Vern A. Nelson, 79, of Kansas City, passed away August 27, 2014.  He was born on June 18, 1935 in Concordia, Kansas, only child of Verner and Myrtle (Spicher) Nelson.  He met and married Rosa Lee Urban at Kansas State University.  They had a loving partnership of nearly 60 years.  Upon receiving his architectural degree, he opened his firm in Overland Park, Kansas, designing affordable senior housing across the United States and Virgin Islands, fulfilling a childhood dream of providing housing for people everywhere.

Vern loved his family, his church, and his work.  He was a member of St. Peter and All Saints’ Episcopal Church.  He was also active in local professional and civic organizations including the American Institute of Architects, Lions Club, Rotary, Optimists, and the Shriners.  He was a mentor to many that will miss his strong work ethic, creativity, and professionalism.  Through Vern’s quick sense of humor, funny stories, and infectious smile, he lived into the motto of “to know him was to love him” and will be remembered by all.

Vern is survived by his wife Rosa Lee “Crickett”, sons Brad and Matt (Alicia), granddaughter Anna, sister-in-law Peggy Wilkins, and niece Linda Foster (Ron).  Special thanks to the loving care givers and staff of Village Shalom, Personalized Living of Kansas City, Cypress Springs, and Continua Hospice.  As his final legacy, Vern chose to leave his body to science and research with the hope of helping to find a cure for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

A visitation brunch will be Saturday August 30th, 2014 from 10:30-12:30, held at St. Peter and All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 100 East Red Bridge Road, Kansas City, Missouri.  There will be a small private memorial service at a future date.

If you would like to make a donation in Vern’s honor, favored charities are research institutes and foundations for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s; Continua Hospice, or his church St. Peter and All Saints’ Episcopal.

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