Cyril Nelson

Cyril Richard Nelson was born February 9, 1926 to Frank and Anna (Lamberg) Nelson in Garfield, MN. He grew up in the Alexandria area before graduating from what was then known as Central High School in 1944. Following graduation, Cyril enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1944-1946, eventually achieving the rank of Seaman First Class.   After his honorable discharge, Cyril attended the Milwaukee School for Engineering before going to a barbering school in Fargo, ND. One evening, via a mutual friend, Cyril met Griselda “Poots” Bock at a dance, and the two eventually married on June 22, 1953. Poots and Cyril had five children: Kyle, Kole, Karleen, Kiara, and Kateri, and they lived on Lake LeHomme Dieu for 33 years before moving into town on Nokomis Street. Cyril worked as a second generation barber with his dad in his barbershop in Alexandria, before taking it over and working with his son, Kyle, until his retirement at the age of 62. Even in his golden years, Cyril would find time away from his beloved pastime of fishing to volunteer giving haircuts at Knute Nelson. He was also an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria and the local VFW and American Legion. Cyril will be remembered as a talkative yet gentle soul, with a dry sense of humor, and great love for his family. He loved all sports, but was especially fond of his Minnesota Twins.

On Tuesday, June 25th, 2019, at the age of 93, Cyril passed away at his home surrounded by his wife and family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Nelson, and brother, Cedric Nelson.

Cyril is survived by the best catch of his life and wife of 66 years, Griselda “Poots” Nelson; sons, Kyle (Mary) Nelson and Kole (Marcia) Nelson; daughters, Karleen (Allen) Ras, Kiara (Norris) Vliem, and Kateri (Allen) Kiel; 21 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Adam (Betty) Bock; sister-in-law, Camilla (John) Loch, and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 28th from 4-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, with Parish Prayers at 4 PM, and the visitation will continue on Saturday, June 29th from 9:30-10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, followed by the funeral mass at 10:30 AM. Entombment with Military Honors to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.