Willard Nelson’s 97th birthday party was a gathering of old friends with many shared experiences. (L-R) George “Bub” Nelson, Lucille “Lu” Pettijohn, Leonard Goodell, and Willard Nelson.
When Willard Nelson’s family published an ad announcing his 97th birthday on 11-11-11, it was stated that Willard was the oldest veteran and oldest male in Cook County. It turns out that although it is believed that Willard is the oldest male living in Cook County, he is not the oldest veteran! That honor goes to Army veteran Lucille “Lu” Pettijohn of Grand Marais.
Willard’s son, Richard “Dick” Nelson, was mortified when he learned that he had made the announcement in error. He had made the mistake many people do, thinking that only men served in the Armed Forces. Lu is quick to correct that misconception.
Lu was a registered nurse when she enlisted in the Army in 1937. Because of her nursing experience, she entered the service as a second lieutenant. She served for “five years, three months and eight days.”
Dick Nelson apologized—and invited Lu to Willard’s birthday party.
The party went a long way toward reparation and a good time was had by all the veterans—and 90-something folks—in attendance!
When family and friends gathered to celebrate Vi Wonser’s 95th birthday, her friends in the “Nifty 90s Card Club” were among them. The five ladies—all over 90—get together once a week to play “65”. Why 65? Because it’s one of the few card games that can be played by an odd number of players. The Nifty 90s Card Club members with Vi (in front) are (L-R) Evelyn Sjoberg, Phyllis Noyce, Ione Jones, and Irene Peterson. Not a member of the Nifty 90s Card Club, but another 90-year-old friend, Herb Hedstrom, joined them for coffee and cake.
Leave a Reply