May 31,1943 - January 17, 2024
In Memoriam
Written by Sandy Nelson

Frans Duncan Nelson (80), beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend passed away on January 17, 2024. Frans was born on May 31, 1943 in Whittier, California to Frans Sr and Harriet Nelson. He graduated from California High School in Whittier and earned his bachelors degree from UC Santa Barbara and his MBA from the University of California, Berkeley in 1967.

Frans met Sandra Robertson at Lucky’s Supermarket where she worked. They dated 5 months before they married on Valentines Day, February 14, 1987.

As an entrepreneur and proprietor in logistics, Frans was a successful businessman. Some of the businesses he started include CIF Messenger, Regional Mail Xpress, Military Parcel Xpress, Global Parcel Xpress, and Mexico Delivery Solutions. He specialized in APO/FPO shipments around the world.

Frans was a lifelong avid swimmer. From his early days as a Huntington Beach lifeguard, all through competing in high school and college sports. He represented the US swim team, and Masters Swim team in international competitions. Frans loved restoring vintage sport cars as well as collecting vintage cars (especially Lotus). He loved watching Formula 1 racing, turning up the volume to the max as though he was there. Frans was a world traveler and was a fluid Spanish speaker. Frans had a lifetime commitment to fitness. He could often be found at the gym or in a pool swimming laps. Other sports he enjoyed include golfing, skiing, and bodybuilding. He competed in several body building competitions in his later years.

Frans also loved to serve at Grace Church, attend Bible Study Fellowship as a children’s leader, and volunteered at the SPCA.

Frans is survived by his beloved wife Sandy Nelson and their children- Sarah Robertson, and Natalie (Kevin) Jensen. He was a proud Grampy to Charlotte and Maverick Jensen. He is also survived by his sister Toni Fricke, nephew Justin Maison, and mother-in-law Shirley Randolph. Frans had family in Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, and California whom he loved deeply. He is preceded in death by his cherished son Zach Robertson, parents Frans and Harriet Nelson, and father-in-law Charles Randolph.

Frans – Fash, Papi, Grampy left an incredible legacy of family, he taught us all how to love each other, enjoy each other, support each other, and most importantly how to laugh with each other. He will be greatly missed, as he was dearly loved.

We would like to thank Dr. Ross Anderson and the wonderful nurses and doctors at Northern Nevada Sierra Medical Center, Life Care Center of Reno, and St. Mary’s Hospital.

Those wishing to remember Frans may do so by helping those organizations he fervently supported, these include: The SPCA of Northern Nevada Animal Shelter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Nevada, or The Alzheimer’s Association of Northern Nevada.