SFC (Ret) George Clayton Nettestad

George Clayton Nettestad, of Norwegian descent, also known as Pop, was born August 13, 1927, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota to the late Clarence and Christina (Weik) Nettestad. As a young boy, George grew up in the Rothsay, Minnesota area where he attended school. George worked on the family cattle farm before being drafted into the United States Army in November 1950. He served his country faithfully until his retirement in December 1973 after 23 years of service. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, 2 Overseas Bars, and the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. While in the military, he served in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. On June 14, 1969, George was united in marriage to Patricia Margaret (O’Connor) Brown. They shared over 37 years of marriage and together they raised three children: Gary, Patty, and Brian. In his spare time, George enjoyed gardening, mowing his yard, fishing with his wife Patricia, attending the fitness center, and going to the casino. He was very talented when it came to his craft…. cross-stitching, even winning ribbons at the Ozark Empire Fair for two of his cross-stitch pictures. In his later years, he began working with diamond dot art and they were as beautiful as his cross-stitch pictures. He was still working on his craft until the age of 94. George’s faith was important to him, and he was a faithful member of the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church of St. Robert, Missouri for over 30 years. Most importantly, George loved spending time with his family, whether it was going for walks at the park or just visiting at the house. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. George passed away Sunday, May 22, 2022, in his home having attained the age of 94 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his two children: Patty Keeling (Mike) of Devil’s Elbow, MO, and Brian Brown (Lisa) of Devil’s Elbow, MO; five grandchildren: Kasie Lercher (Brock) of Richland, MO, Cody Keeling (Jennifer) of Columbia, MO, Allison Sylvester (Ryan) of Devil’s Elbow, MO, Sean Thompson (Lindsay) of Devil’s Elbow, MO, and Cassie Jones (Clinton) of Ashland, MO; five great grandchildren: Brooklynn, Sadie, River, Ellie, and Gwen; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife: Patricia Nettestad; one son: Gary Brown; one granddaughter: Hayley; and three brothers: Obert, Vernon, and Ole Nettestad. George had a great sense of humor that some people never saw, but he was quick witted and enjoyed seeing people smile. One of his grandchildren summed up his life the best, “Pop was such a sweet, humble, gentle man. We love him so much.” Graveside services with military honors were held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2022 in the Resurrection Cemetery of St. Robert, Missouri with Father Michael Murphy officiating. Serving as escorts and providing military honors were the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that everyone do an act of kindness in memory of SFC (Ret) George Nettestad.

SFC (Ret) George Clayton Nettestad

August 13, 1927 - May 22, 2022