Roger Nelson

Roger Elmer Nelson age 75 of Nelson, MN, died on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at the Veterans Medical Center in Fargo, ND, after brief battle with Lung Cancer. A funeral service will take place on Friday, December 16, 2016 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Nelson at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church. A prayer service will take place on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 4:45 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home.

Roger Elmer Nelson was born on February 28, 1941. He was born to Elmer and Laverna (Crist) Nelson in Bertha, Minnesota. In 1950, his family moved to Nelson, MN to farm. Roger attended grades 1-8 at Nelson School, grades 9-11 at Central Junior High School, and was in the first graduating class from Jefferson Senior High School in Alexandria. After high school, Roger attended and graduated from Dunwoody Institute with a carpentry degree. He then joined the United States Navy serving his country for five years in the construction battalion. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Roger moved back home. In 1973, he was united in marriage to Jane Jenkins and was blessed with two sons, Wayne and Randy.

Early on, Roger worked as a carpenter and cabinet maker. Later, he was employed and worked until his retirement at age 70 for Alexandria Extrusion as a saw operator. Roger was a good friend and enjoyed keeping up with his family. Roger was proud of his sons and their families.

Roger enjoyed wood working, keeping his bird feeders full, watching westerns, working in the yard, and reading. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Gopher football fan, and could be found cheering or grumbling on game days. Roger enjoyed reading the Star Tribune every day. He loved to visit and could frequently be found at one of the local establishments in Nelson or Alexandria, having a cup of coffee, breakfast, or lunch and visiting with friends. He always sent cards to family and friends in remembrance of special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries or 'just because.'

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He was very proud and supportive to others that had served their country.

Roger left his family and friends here on earth, Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the Fargo VA Medical Center under hospice care after a battle with lung cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Laverna Nelson; and his wife, Jane. He is survived by his sons, Wayne (Staci) Nelson of International Falls, MN and Randy (Anne) Nelson of Moorhead, MN as well as five grandchildren: Taylor, Grace, Ian, Celia, and Flora Nelson; brother, Larry (Janice) Nelson; sisters, Kathy (Larry) Cihlar, and Linda (Keith) Miller.

A funeral service will take place on Friday, December 16, 2016 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Nelson, MN with the Reverend, Jeremy Pedersen presiding. Interment will take place at the Nelson Cemetery in Nelson, MN.