Lyle J. Nelson

After a valiant 4-year battle with pancreatic cancer, Lyle J. Nelson passed away peacefully at home on October 11 at the age of 84 in Alexandria, Minnesota.

As an only child, he cherished time spent with his cousins, church friends and on the farm.  After graduation from Starbuck High School in 1957, Lyle joined the Air National Guard and moved to the Twin Cities and started work at Gambles Robinson where he worked until 1976.  The next 29 years were spent at Wholesale Produce until his retirement in 2005.  Lyle was dedicated and hard-working.  He never called in sick in his entire career.  His only missed days were due to injuries.  He enjoyed Jaycee’s, softball, camping and anything he could fix. 

In his retirement, he enjoyed:  any time spent on the golf course including time with friends in the clubhouse highlighted by a round at Augusta National Golf Club, kayaking, cheering on his grandchildren, their cousins, friends, nieces and nephews at any sporting event; traveling to Gopher track meets; winters in Texas and Arizona and time with his cousins and family.

Lyle was an avid sports fan who would greet you with a smile and genuine interest if you crossed his path.

Lyle was preceded in death by his mother, Grace (Thone) Nelson, and father, Leonard Nelson.   He was a devoted husband to his loving wife of 47 years, Becky.  He was a proud father to Gina (Stewart) Hansen, Beth Anderson and Collin Nelson.  He was especially proud of his grandchildren:  Lauren, Shea, Alexandra, Drew and Jordan. 

Lyle will be honored in a celebration of life on October 26, 2023, at 1pm.  Visitation hours from 12 – 1 pm and lunch will follow the celebration.  First Lutheran Church, 1655 18^th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN  56308.  Please feel free to wear your favorite golfing attire.