Glen Lloyd Nelson

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Glen Lloyd Nelson, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away May 29, 2021, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with lymphoma. He was 74 years old. 
Born and raised in Tacoma, Wash., Glen was the beloved only child of Harold and Mary Nelson. After graduating from Mt. Tahoma High School in 1965, Glen attended Pacific Lutheran University where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1969, followed by his Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington in 1972. After starting his career as an accountant, he operated Loggers Wear in Chehalis for 35 years, retiring in 2019. As a small business owner, he modeled valuable skills about work ethic and caring for others when his daughters worked with him each summer. He loved problem-solving, numbers, and building relationships with customers throughout the Pacific Northwest. 
He met the love of his life, Mary Kay Pemerl, in 1974 and together they raised their family in Adna. Glen was a caring and dedicated husband to Mary Kay for their 45 year marriage. He was a source of strength in the family; a supportive and engaged father to his three daughters. Glen’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. From holiday gatherings and vacations, to family nights at home, to playing games with the kids, he was never happier than when surrounded by those he loved. Glen was always there to lend a listening ear or offer words of wisdom. His grandchildren will remember his fun-loving side and the many stories he told. 
Glen had an immense appreciation for life. He modeled how to live with gratitude and enjoy every moment. He never missed a chance for a hug or to let his family know how much he loved them. He loved the beauty of nature and enjoyed fishing, hiking and visits to the coast. He was rooted in his Norwegian heritage and traditions, maintaining close connections to his relatives abroad. He was a voracious reader of classic novels and was always up for a good debate. Glen was a loyal fan of the Washington Huskies and enjoyed taking his family to Seahawks games. 
Glen valued kindness and authenticity, leading a life of faith and strong values. He will be remembered for his caring nature, gentle presence, and warm smile. He spent time volunteering in the community with the Chehalis Food Bank, St. Joseph’s Church, Adna Lion’s Club, and the annual Walk N Knock Food Drive. 
Glen is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Nelson; children Annalee and Carl Tobey of Chehalis, Julie and Jeremy Gray of Beaverton, Bonnie Nelson and Dale Chang of Tacoma; and his grandchildren Audrie, Brayden, Katie, and Megan. 
A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church followed by a burial service at Claquato Cemetery, and celebration of life at Riverside Golf Course from 3:30 - 7:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be sent to the Adna Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 93, Adna, Wash., 98522.