Rudolph "Rudy" Nelson

Rudolph “Rudy” Gunnar Nelson was born on September 5, 1932, in Cherokee, IA to Levi and Christine (Schonsted) Nelson. He was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Arpin, IA and baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL. His father died at a young age and his mother, remarried Eric Wallin.

Rudy was united in marriage to Norma Bliele on August 25, 1952, in Rockford, IL. The couple lived in Rockford, IL for 14 years where Rudy worked as a machinist at Sunstrands Company and served in the United States Navy. In December of 1964, the family moved to Alexandria where Rudy started to work as an electrician.  Rudy then started his own company Rudy’s Electric in 1971. His son, Randy joined him in 1974, and he was proud to have his grandson Ryan join the family business from the day he was born.

Rudy enjoyed watching and coaching the softball team he sponsored, as well as his race car team that raced at Viking Speedway. He also enjoyed playing Rolle Bolle and traveling with family and friends in various motorhomes, with the theme song being “On The Road Again.”  Rudy also enjoyed being with family and attending family gatherings.

Rudy passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Knute Nelson in Alexandria at the age of 85.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Norma of Alexandria, MN; sons, Bruce (Deb) Lindquist of Brooklyn Center, MN and Randy (Vicki) Nelson of Alexandria, MN; daughter, Trudy (Robert) Jahnke of Rosemount, MN; grandchildren, Ryan Nelson, Scott (Jill) Rudd, Shelly (Buck) Pepera, Shawn (Marrisa) Rudd, Kelly (Vinni Capra) Byrd, Stephanie Lindquist, Gary Jahnke and Steve Jahnke; 13 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson; brother, Carl Wallin of Rockford, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Rudy is preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Christine; step-father, Eric Wallin; sibilings, Bud Nelson, Levi Nelson, Alleda Lutzow, and Betsy Graham; grandchild, Baby Nelson; and great-grandchild, Crystal Lindquist.

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, March 19, 2018, at the United Methodist Church in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held from 2-5 PM on Sunday, March 18, 2018, at the Anderson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.  Interment will be held at Kinkead Cemetery. Military Honors will be  provided by the Alexandria Veterans Memorial Unit and the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors.