Gerald R. Nelson

Gerald R. Nelson, 72, of Warren, MN, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Tuesday morning, May 31, 2016.

Gerald Raymond Nelson was born on January 15, 1944, in Grafton, ND, to Raymond and Margaret (Thorson) Nelson. He grew up on the family farm, helping work the land and enjoying many visits from his aunts and uncles, who treated him like a son. Gerald graduated from high school at Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River, ND, in 1962, and graduated from NDSU in 1967, with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

On October 21, 1972, Gerald was united in marriage to Sharon Johnson, in Park River. They made their home in Cavalier, ND, where Gerald worked as a loan officer for FSA. In 1978, Gerald transferred to the office in Warren, where he would raise his family and live for the remainder of his life. After he retired, Gerald continued to work in the summers hauling grain for Peterson Farms and hauling equipment for Evergreen Implement. He also worked in the spring, for the last nine years, at Bremer Bank in Warren.

Though he kept very busy after he “retired,” Gerald still made time for his other hobbies and interests. He took great pride in being an avid hunter and fisherman; and he maintained a massive garden over the years, planting hundreds upon hundreds of garlic heads, onions, and tomato plants. More than this, Gerald truly enjoyed sharing his hobbies with others, whether it was by giving away the produce from his garden, or teaching his family how to tie their own fishing lures. He will be remembered for his unique sense of humor and heart of gold.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sharon; children, Jennifer Nelson of Grand Forks, ND, and Scott (Magen) Nelson of Marysville, WA; grandchildren, Calvin, Axl, Sam, Charlie, and Casey; brother, James (Cindy) Nelson of Minneapolis, MN, and their daughter, Maren Nelson; sister-in-law, Mary Nelson of Grand Forks; mother-in-law, Iva Johnson of Park River; brother-in-law, Roger (Vicki Jo) Johnson; sisters-in-law, LaDonna Johnson, and Lynette (John) Northagen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; many aunts and uncles; and father-in-law, Clifford Johnson.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 AM on Saturday on June 4, 2016 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Warren, MN.

VISITATION: After 5:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Friday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and one hour before services on Saturday at the church.

INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, MN

 Service Information