Kirk J. Nelson

Kirk Jon Nelson, 53, formerly of Grand Island, entered eternal life peacefully on Monday, December 17th, 2018 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. Kirk was born on December 21st, 1964 in Lincoln, Nebraska the son of Dennis P. & Judith J. (Bauer) Nelson. He grew up in Kearney until the Nelson family moved to Grand Island in 1973. Kirk graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1983 where he went on to continue his education at Colorado Aero Tech in Broomfield, Colorado.



Kirk was an aviation mechanic by trade; his ability to fix engines came so naturally for him. He was an avid bowler whose name you might still see on the 300 Club bulletin at Westside Lanes. He was a concert enthusiast. He loved to connect with his friends and kids through music and was always able to get the best seats in the house. Last, but not least, Kirk was a pilot and an entrepreneur and luckily those two worlds collided for him when he started K&B Aircraft in 1992. Kirk was driven to provide a wonderful life for his family and he did just that. He always leant a helping hand and words of advice for those who asked. Kirk touched so many lives and will be missed by all that knew him.



He loved his mother, Judith, who reared Kirk and his brother, Brock, after his father Dennis’ death when Kirk was 13. Kirk looked up to his “big” little brother, Brock, not only for his brains, but for his quick wit and banter that they always shared. Kirk also loved and adored Brock’s wife, Dorothy, and their two children, Jace and Brynna. Kirk had many friends from all walks of his life. If you knew the correct answer to his all famous question “Two words?” then you most likely found a place in his heart. An honorary family member and closest, friend, Alissa Kern, along with her four children will forever be changed by his love and patience. His spirit will forever be carried on by his five children, Eric, Jenna, Karlie, Hayden, and Adam, along with Jenna’s husband John, and Karlie’s fiancé Chad. Kirk’s greatest joy was being a father, and his children will forever adore him and the memories they’ve created with their beloved best friend, confidant, and father.



Kirk’s Celebration of Life with be 10:00 a.m. , Friday, December 21st, 2018 at First Christian Church, Grand Island, NE with the Rev. Julie Western officiating. Visitation will be from 4pm-7pm on Thursday, December 20th at Apfel Funeral Home. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m.in Minden Cemetery, Minden, NE. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Apfel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.