Glenn Nilsson

Glenn Ernest Nilsson was born October 15,1928 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and died on Friday, January 5, 2018.\r\n \r\nLate last Friday, Glenn passed from the loving arms of his family into those of his Savior, his beloved wife, Margaret, and his parents, Tony and Edna Nilsson, from whom he was orphaned at the age of 12. Glenn is survived by his family: daughter, Glenda Price-Coden; son, Mark Nilsson and daughter-in- law Margo; his grandchildren, Erin (and Brian) Peterson, Chris (and Monique) Nilsson, Eric (and Mimi) Nilsson, and Emily (and Trey) Russ. Treasured great-grandchildren are Claire, Annelise, Ryan, Cade, Julianna, Addison, William, Wade, Austin, Greyson, and a new baby girl arriving in May. Glenn is also survived by his sister, Audrey Lindsey; brother, Richard and sister-in-law Margaret Nilsson and many beloved nieces and nephews.\r\n \r\nAlthough his life contained early obstacles and adversity, Glenn, somehow always made the best of things, looking for and finding solutions as well as the most positive qualities in others. He coped with his challenges, and even his tragedies, with a quiet, unpretentious faith and a unique and infectious sense of humor, endearing him to all who truly came to know him.\r\n \r\nAs service station dealer for decades in Pasadena, Texas, Glenn took well-deserved pride in his role as frequently consulted and interviewed spokesperson for the distribution side of the story during the 1970's gasoline crisis. Later, as president of the Lone Star Service Station Association, Glenn was instrumental in lobbying Congress to pass legislation breaking the oil industry's monopoly over the service station dealer's supply chains. This enabled working men and women to make a good living in that business going forward. To "relax", he enjoyed his old tractor, mowing 54 acres of the couple's farm near La Grange, and cooling off on the breezy front porch. Upon retirement to Kerrville in 1994, the Nilssons became involved in Zion Lutheran Church and as volunteers with C.A.M. They enjoyed their Hill Country home, travel, their pets, and each of the 10 great-grandchildren as they came along.\r\n \r\nDuring recent years, as he began to need some help, Glenn gracefully accepted the attention of others. During the past 3 1/2 years, he came to love his caregivers at Brookdale Kerrville, who tell his family, "he was All of our Grandpa. We loved him". More recently, he came to know, enjoy and love the staff of Peterson Hospice, who quickly loved him right back and cared for him so very tenderly. His family believes he would say that some of his best times were these recent months where he enjoyed meaningful conversations, laughter, tears, and a wonderful quality of life - truly a time of Grace. All who knew him will continue to benefit from Glenn's legacy of love, kindness, humor, and optimism.\r\n \r\nMemorial services will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church officiated by Pastor Mike Williams. \r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers, Glenn and family would appreciate contributions to Peterson Hospice, Zion Lutheran Church and to Christian Assistance Ministry of Kerrville.\r\n \r\n