July 17, 1916 - June 06, 2011
Rudolph "Rudy" Nelson Obituary (Age 94) Beloved family leader and early Spokane entrepreneur left his earthly ventures behind and stepped into eternity on June 6, 2011 just before his 95th birthday. Born July 17, 1916 in Priest River, Idaho, Rudy was the only son of Swedish immigrants Emma and Axel Nelson. The family relocated to Spokane in 1919. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 41 years, Maxine Nelson, his three children (Larry Nelson, Brian Nelson, and Victoria Love), five grandchildren (Terry Nelson, Merytt Nelson, Kelsy McHenry, James Love, and Daniel Love), nine great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Rudy graduated from West Valley High School in 1934 then went to Spokane Junior College where he was named best all-around student. He earned his degree in Business Administration and Economics from Washington State College in 1938 - many times working three jobs to cover room, board, and tuition. He reflected that with all his jobs, he was making $55.00 per month and was considered well to do. While at WSC, Rudy developed the first Inter-Fraternal Buying Association, a wholesale buying group for college group houses. Rudy was a member of the A TO Fraternity and an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Psi. When Rudy graduated, rather than work on the family farm, he sought to fulfill his commission as an officer of the US Navy and serve his country. Instead, as an only child and an able farm- hand, he was directed by the draft board to support the war effort in a different way. During WWII nearly everything the Nelson family farm produced was used by the Naval Training Station in Farragut, Idaho. Over the winters, Rudy further supported the war effort working at the Alcoa Aluminum plant at Trentwood. After the war, Rudy established the Nelson Chevron station on Sprague Avenue in the Spokane Valley. In 1946 he opened Nelson Motor Company - retailing and wholesaling autos for 24 years. In 1956, he was awarded Spokane's first Mercedes Benz dealership and the first Datsun (now Nissan) dealership in 1957. Rudy was active in the Independent Auto Dealer Associations and served on the board of directors for the Spokane Jets hockey team and Opportunity Management Company. In 1971, he founded an RV dealership in the Spokane Valley and followed with locations in Pasco, and Yakima. At one point, he was the 6th largest Holiday Rambler Dealer in the US. By 1980, Rudy was semi-retired. He continued working and volunteering throughout his life. Rudy loved to travel. He and Maxine were fortunate to visit many countries and to go warmer climates in the winters including Mexico, California, Arizona, and Hawaii. Rudy remained active in the Masonic Order of the Scottish Rite and EI Katif Shrine for more than 57 years. He was a member of the Greeters, Chanters, South Side Shrine Club, Jesters and the Oden Club. He is remembered most for his big heart, quick wit, and charming generosity. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rudy's name to Shriner's Ho
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