Clarence Jr, was born in rural Ill. to Clarence Sr. and Ada Nelson. He graduated from Dwight city high school in 1950, then moved to Albuquerque, N.M. in 1952 due to health issues. There, he graduated from University of New Mexico with honors. The first master's degree he earned was Library Science. Next was English Literature. He was proud of his Norwegian and Danish heritage A high point in his life was visiting the family farm in Norway where his immigrant grandfather had lived. Another
high point was an overnight mule trip into the Grand Canyon. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Joann (Yoder); daughter Jill Renee; grandchildren Ben, Sam, Mary, Claudia; great-grandchild Teddy; brother Glenn; niece Janet.