Dennis Duane Nelsen, 77, of Crete passed away from complications of Parkinson's Disease on Saturday, October 9th. Born January 15, 1944, in St. Paul, Nebraska, to Earl and Carol Nelsen. He married Nancy Jasa on June 18, 1977. Dennis attended school at Valentine High School and Doane College (University). He was a standout athlete competing in football, basketball, and track in both high school and college. Dennis taught German and social studies at Crete Junior-Senior High School right out of college until retiring in 2000. He shared his love of basketball by coaching at Crete High School and Doane College (University) and was well-known for hosting the "Take it to the Hoop" shooting camp every summer. He touched countless lives in his 30+ years as a teacher and coach, and his legacy continues as so many of those former students and athletes have become teachers and coaches as well.

After retirement, Dennis enjoyed golfing and traveling with Nancy. They attended as many events as they could squeeze onto their calendar to support their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered for being a hard worker, his willingness to help others, and his dry sense of humor.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Dana Stark (Justin) of Syracuse; son, Daryl Nelsen (Karen) of Fremont; daughter, Natalie Schneider (Daniel) of Syracuse; daughter, Chrystal Gard of Omaha. Dennis had 8 grandchildren and will be greatly missed, especially in the stands of his grandchildren's sporting events. He is also survived by his brothers, Donald Nelsen (Virginia) of Valentine, Gordon Nelsen (Ruth) of Valentine, Larry Nelsen (Joyce) of Halsey, Oregon, Merrell Nelsen (Kristi) of Custer, South Dakota; sister, Cindy Hamre (Andy) of Panama City, Florida; sister-in-laws, Carolyn Hogue of Falls City, Anita Reimer (Norman) of Beatrice; brother-in-law Paul Jasa (Lynda) of Table Rock; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Carol Nelsen of Valentine, Nebraska, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis and Doretta Jasa of Table Rock.

Memorial Service:  Friday, 10:00 A.M., United Church of Christ, First Congregational, Crete.  Visitation:  Thursday, 5 – 7 P.M., Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete.  Memorials are in care of the family for future designation.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.