Duncan Leonard Nelles

In Loving Memory Duncan Leonard Nelles , 88, of Ojai, California, passed away peacefully after a short illness on Saturday, July 26, 2014, at home with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife Baerbel Fehlhaber Nelles of two years, beloved dog Joshi, daughter, Sandra Nelles, 6 step-daughters, 1 step-son, 12 step-grandchildren, 5 step-great grandchildren, and 3 nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Cora. Duncan married Luella Svenson in 1946 and lovingly took care of her when she became ill and passed away in 1991 after 45 years of marriage. In 1992 he moved to California, married Patricia Bushman in 1993, and lovingly cared for her until her passing in 2011. Duncan was known for his positive attitude, generosity, and sense of humor. He was a remarkable man, surviving many adversities, always young at heart, and he did not look or act his age. He loved music, especially jazz, traveling, cars, dancing, golf, and going to the beach. Duncan was born in Hastings, Nebraska in 1925 to Oliver and Ethel Nelles. He spent his early years in Yankton, South Dakota, and at age 12 he was driving a Model T to school. The family moved to the Spokane, Washington area in 1942, where he graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1943. While he was in high school he began working part-time for the JCPenney Company. From 1943 until 1946 he served in the U.S. Navy, as a Radioman Second Class (RM2C) during World War II. Much of his time in the service was spent in the South Pacific, including the invasion of Okinawa. After discharge, he returned to Spokane and began working full-time at JCPenney’s, and attended Whitworth College. He worked for 14 years in the Spokane store, first as a salesman and later as a manager trainee, before being promoted to assistant manager of the Rapid City, South Dakota store. Fourteen months later he was promoted to store manager in Lander, Wyoming. While in Wyoming, he personally delivered and installed draperies at the ranch house of the Disney family, and he promoted the first woman to assistant manager. Later she was promoted to the first woman store manager in the company’s history. His successful 40 year career also took him to stores in Williston, North Dakota, Flint, Michigan, and Omaha, Nebraska where he retired at age 60, and began a second career in commercial real estate. Where ever he lived, he was actively involved in the community through church, Masons, Shriners, Rotary (serving twice as chapter President), and the Ojai 4th of July Committee. Duncan will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family would like to thank all of the wonderful medical staff at Ojai Valley Hospital and Community Memorial Hospital, and the Livingston Memorial hospice staff for their care and compassion during his illness. A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the Ojai Presbyterian Church, 304 North Foothill Road in Ojai. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Duncan’s name to the Rotary Club of Ojai West Foundation, P.O. Box 1501, Ojai, CA 93024 or the Ojai Presbyterian Church. Assisting the family with arrangements is Ojai Valley Funeral Services (805) 640-3600.