Nelson, Rev. Andrew David, asleep in Jesus on Sunday, July 2, 2023.
Beloved husband of Gretchen E. Nelson (nee Netzeband) for over 40 years; dearest father of Rachel (Joe) Assi, David Nelson, Paul Nelson and Eric (Caroline) Nelson; loving grandfather of Owen and Jane Assi; dear son-in-law of Jack and Kathy Netzeband; dear brother-in-law of Debbie (Ken) Dugas, Marlena (Robert) Van Camp and Inger (Ken) Varel; our dear uncle, great-uncle, Shepherd and friend to many.
Services: Funeral at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, on Friday, July 7, 9:30 am. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Alternative Hospice, 1749 Gilsinn Lane, Fenton, MO 63026, appreciated.
Though I was a new friend to Andy, I know he loved Jesus! Such a kind, caring and compassionate soul!
So many memories are surfacing! Andy was 13 when I met him at the ripe old age of 19. He and his parents invited me into their hearts and into the family. He was a great kid who grew up to be a good Godly man. Now free and happy with Jesus!
We just heard of Andy’s passing and so sorry to hear.
Loved working with him as our pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ridgewood, NJ.
Andy’s passing is a great loss to Gretchen (Lad), Rachel, David, Paul, Eric & all the family, as well as us. He is now at rest in God’s loving ❤️ embrace. Surely, the angels 😇 found immense joy to carry him to his heavenly resting place. Andy inspired those who had the opportunity to know him. The pastorial comfort he brought to my family in a time of great need will never be forgotten & I am ‘forever thankful’ … rest in peace, Andy! 🙏🏼 🕊
Gretchen, I know how much you and Andy loved each other . He was a loving husband and dad. Your memories of a blessed life will be with you forever until you are together again. God bless you and your family .May Andy rest in Jesus’s love for all of eternity . Love, Stephanie
Gretchen,
Your family will be in our prayers. Stay strong..
Gretchen and all those who share in this loss…prayers for comfort at this time. May angels lift you up and carry you gently in their arms through this time of sorrow. Love to you!
Cindy Meyer Tamayo
We love you Gretchen. Sending prayers of strength and comfort
Pastor Nelson was my childhood pastor when I was growing up in New Jersey at Bethlehem Lutheran. He was such a kind man and I remember him being very involved in my faith journey and close to my family as well. My family and I were very saddened to hear about Pastor and will be keeping his family in our prayers.
So thankful for the losses of Atari games played with Andy and Mike before they were pastors. I will never forget his kindness and his love for Jesus. Much love to Gretchen and family.
My deepest condolences to the Nelson family. Keeping the family in my prayers during this difficult time . May he rest in peace with all the angels and saints.
Martha ( Elise’s aunt)
Dear Gretchen & Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. Having him as our Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church was a special gift from Above which we will always cherish. We are thinking of all of you at this time.
Sincerely,
Linda McKnight & Jay VandeKopple
My heartfelt sympathy to Gretchen & the Nelson family. Pastor Nelson was one of the most kindhearted souls and truly the most genuine of Pastors I have had the privilege of knowing. He loved his congregation and made each person feel seen & known. My daughter had the privilege of being baptized by Pastor Nelson, and both my children have fond memories of him being their first Pastor. We will see you soon in the presence of Jesus!!!!
My sincerest sympathies to Gretchen and the children. Pastor Nelson gave the most wonderful sermons I have ever heard. His heart and soul were in every one of them. I have missed him and Gretchen very much since retiring and leaving Bethlehem. I will never forget this great man of God.
Pastor Nelson married my wife and I 23 years ago and was a wonderful pastor to my in-laws Susan and Larry. A truly kind man and servant of God. Be at peace and to your family, know that you are in our prayers.
Sarah and Ernie Pastor
Andy was our Pastor and friend of our family. Georgia and Andy were in confirmation together. Andy loved Bethlehem and served here for more than 20 years. We went to basketball games and fell off the wave runner on LBI. Andy’s love for the Lord and the church was evident in all that he did and his impact on their lives is still felt today. Andy is now on the court in Heaven and we continue to pray for Gretchen and the family.
I’m so sorry Gretchen… I weep for you…
I was Pastor Andy Nelson’s predecessor at Bethlehem. I started hearing good things about him shortly after I arrived in Ridgewood in 1982. As I came to know him over the next eleven years, he more than lived up to everything that I had heard. I had a sense of joy and peace when I learned that he had been called to serve as my successor at Bethlehem. When I returned to Bethlehem in 2012 to preach at the closing service of the congregation’s centennial, Andy and Gretchen welcomed me with great kindness. Rest in peace, dear brother Andy. I look forward to seeing you again in glory.
We are so sorry to hear this. God’s peace to Gretchen and the family. When I became the assistant pastor at Bethlehem in 1971, Andy was away at college. His parents invited Sue and me to dinner every two weeks for the entire time we lived in Ridgewood, so we got to know the Nelsons quite well. We attended Andy and Gretchen’s wedding, but then mostly lost contact. However, when we visited Bethlehem circa 2015, Andy & Gretchen were visiting the same day! Again, God’s peace and blessing to you all.
Andy was a beloved Pastor & friend. Dave Hildebrandt & family of Calvary Lutheran Church, Verona NJ
My deepest sympathies. May God’s comfort give you peace.
We are so very sorry to learn of Pastor Nelson’s untimely passing. We were privileged to be guided by him at Calvery Lutheran Church in Verona and to have known his beautiful family. Gretchen, we pray for your strength and the Lord’s peace and comfort.
My heart goes out to you and your family, Gretchen! May the Lord give you peace in this time of sorrow and a remembrance of all the joys in your lives together.
Pastor Andy Nelson was an outstanding servant of the Word and the flocks that he shepherded! Will always be grateful he was the Pastor during my time of being a high school youth at Calvary, Verona. From the gatherings in his home to his love for apple picking trips, and the 1989 youth gathering trip to Denver. Priceless memories and with his wonderful family! Such a great teacher/listener and a hands on Pastor who also loved to play trumpet during Christmas time services, or roll up his sleeves and wash cars with the rest of the youth. Well done, faithful servant and you will be missed by many!
We are so very sorry for your loss, Gretchen. Pastor Andy was a gentle and caring man of God. He married us 25 years ago next month. We have such wonderful memories of him. Our prayers are with you and your family.
John and Dolores Dolan
Such love I have for you and your dear family, Gretchen. So likewise such sorrow I feel for you now. Thanks be to God that we have the reassurance of knowing Andy is with Jesus now! And that one day you’ll be reunited. Until that day I have every confidence that our God will wipe away your tears and hold you close. I am always here if you need or want anything.
We wish Gretchen and family peace and every blessing of the Holy Spirit. Andy and Gretchen were good friends and faithful servants in the NJ District
Gretchen and Family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Andy’s passing. Andy and I were good friends while at Norwich University. Andy and I were in the Regimental Band together my freshman year. Gary Stebbins, LTC, U.S. Army, Retired, NU ’73
As Class Agent for the Norwich University Class of 1972 I want to extend the sincere condolences from his Classmates. Andy was a great Cadet and thoroughly enjoyed his Norwich experience and Band Company especially. Prayers to the Nelson family.
John Campbell ‘72
Rest in peace my Norwich brother. It saddens me to know that another brother from my era has passed away. My prayers for your soul and for your family and friends at this time of loss.
Andy and I were not close friends but respected peers and classmates at Norwich. There is an inexplicable bond that we all formed as cadets which transcends the understanding of most people.
It’s with the greatest sense of respect and mutual loss that we honor and grieve his passing.
Andy was a great guy, a great trumpet player, and an outstanding 400 meter hurdler. I am very saddened to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers to Gretchen, his dear children, and all his family. You will be deeply
missed.
Pastor Nelson was a wonderful man. Our condolences to the entire Nelson family. He married my husband and I at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ridgewood, NJ 26 years ago. His amazing services and kindness will always be remembered. God Bless
Gretchen, so sad to hear that Andy is gone, but amazing that he’s standing around the throne in heaven. Looking forward to seeing him again! The Lord bless and keep you during this very tough time.
While at Norwich, Andy and I worked closely on several of the big NU social events (Junior Week and Regimental Ball). He was tireless and generous with his time and I came to respect his gentle and caring approach to getting things done. We met up after many years apart at our 45th reunion and he was even nicer and more caring than I remembered. A great man.