Hjalmar Nels Nelson

Hjalmar N. Nelson, of Hingham, a gentle loving child of God, entered into the presence of Jesus on December 12, 2017 at the age of 87. He died surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with heart disease.

“Hjal” was born August 16, 1930 in Quincy, MA to Jalmar and Gladys (Benn) Nelson and was raised in Weymouth. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty (Bardsley) Nelson; two children: Amy Conant and her husband Keith of Gloucester, and Laurie Schut and her husband Randy of Plymouth. He also leaves behind four grandchildren: Nathaniel Conant of Orlando, FL, Alexander Conant and wife Brittany of Shirley MA, Leah Schut and Zachary Schut of Plymouth, MA.

In 1959 Hjal married the love of his life, Betty, whom he met on a blind date. Together they shared a deep faith and a love for family.

He served with distinction for over seven years in the U.S. Army during the Berlin Airlift. Following his military service, Hjal graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Physics. He became a Quality Assurance Officer in the Boston area, working at Instron, Texas Instruments and Raytheon. He developed electrical equipment for the Lunar Excursion Module in the Apollo space program.

Hjal was a deeply loved longtime member of South Shore Baptist Church in Hingham, where he served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, choir member and on numerous committees.

Throughout his life Hjal walked in gratitude, persevered through adversity with optimism and courage, and thought of others before himself. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. Hjal expressed that his greatest legacy is knowing that his family knows salvation because of the love of Christ.

Hjal loved his family, Jesus and his church family. He will be terribly missed by all who knew him, and remembered with fond memories.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday December 16, 2017 at the South Shore Baptist Church, 578 Main Street Hingham, at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at High Street Cemetery, Hingham  

In lieu of flowers, Hjal would like others served through donations made to the South Shore Baptist Church Missions or Deacons funds. 

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