Peter Emil "Prairie Pup" Nelsen

Peter Emil “Prairie Pup” Nelsen, 61, of Astoria, died Thursday, June 14, 2012, in McMinnville.

He was born Aug. 8, 1950, in Astoria, to Lincoln Bryon and Consuelo (Eisaman) Nelsen. His parents preceded him in death.

Raised in the Astoria area, he graduated from Astoria High School in 1968. His father owned a wrecking yard in John Day, and he grew up around the wrecking yard business.

Mr. Nelsen worked at Astoria Auto Wrecking on and off for several years.

Friends said he was a very kind person and was known by many people in town.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com