Robert Nelson

Robert J. Nelson was born in Lynd, Minnesota on March 5, 1926, the son of Werner and Irene Nelson. Bob's early years included attending a country school near the family farm, working with teams of horses in the fields, training a crow and an owl as pets, and hunting and fishing. He graduated from Lynd High School, continued to work on the farm, and then entered the United States Army in 1948.
During this time he met Lorraine Zgoda, and they were married on April 4, 1951, while stationed at Camp Rucker in Alabama. Bob served as a cook in the 135th Infantry, attaining the rank of corporal. His chef's skills came from his mother, and they earned him high praise from his superiors; he continued to cook in his own kitchen throughout his life.
After his discharge in 1952, Bob and Lorraine settled in Marshall, Minnesota, and Bob worked in construction. In 1960, he was hired by McLaughlin & Schultz to work on their road crews in the summers and in the repair shop during the winter. He then worked as a bituminous crew foreman, travelling throughout central and southern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota until his retirement in 1991.
When Bob and Lorraine retired, they moved from Marshall to a home near Lake Latoka, outside Alexandria, MN where they always enjoyed fishing. Bob also spent time pheasant, duck, goose, and deer hunting in southwestern Minnesota, South Dakota, and northern Minnesota. His annual deer-and-Christmas-tree trips were always a highlight.
He also found time for wood-working, at first in his basement workshop and later in his converted barn. He crafted toys, cutting boards, clocks, benches, book shelves, and candle sticks which he gave to family and friends. Much of the wood he used he cut, milled on his saw mill, planed in his shop, and then sanded and oiled to become one-of-a-kind cherished gifts.
Bob always planted a garden, tending peonies and moon flowers, Indian corn and gourds, peas and sweet corn. He also enjoyed his 1931 Model A, a family car that once belonged to his uncle; it was a treat to drive and share with vintage car fans.
Bob and Lorraine were married for 55 busy years, and, after she died in 2006, Bob continued to stay active with projects and visits from family and friends.
Robert J. Nelson died peacefully on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at the age of 90 and 8 months. He is survived by: his brother Steve Nelson and wife Barb of Chaska, MN; his sister Audrey Hammer of Minneota, MN; his daughter Nadine Nelson of Sauk Rapids, MN; his daughter Barbara and husband Lloyd Burns of Fair Oaks, CA; his son Curt Nelson and wife Deb of Shorewood, MN; his daughter Michelle and husband Gene Severson of Sartell, MN; and grandchildren Erika Nelson of Eden Prairie, MN and Stephany Nelson of Shorewood, MN; Spencer Burns and wife Tricia of Justice, Illinois; Lauren (Burns) Gehr and husband Aaron of Asheville, NC; Blanca and Juan Pablo Severson of Sartell, MN; and great-grandchildren Madilynn and Aubrey Burns of Justice, Illinois.
A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Entombment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria.