John H. Nelson

John H. Nelson, 96, of Red Wing, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025 at his home at Potter Ridge. 

John was born to Edwin and Emma (Radle) Nelson on September 10, 1928 in Ellsworth, WI. He attended Stafford grade school and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1946. He married Dolores (Gorsy) Van Deusen March 1, 1947. They celebrated 71 years of married life until Gorsy’s passing in May 2018.

John worked at Red Wing Iron Works as an apprentice machinist in 1948 and 1949. He went to work for NSP at the Red Wing Steam plant in 1949 and was part of the original start up crew for the plants 2 generating units. After 21 years at that plant as a machinist and welder, he was transferred to the Prairie Island Nuclear Plant in Feb 1970 as the Maintenance Superintendent until retirement Jan 31, 1986. He spent some time in the ensuing years doing consulting work at other nuclear plants. In later years he became quite involved with various projects at the Red Wing Country Club and became part of the course maintenance crew until retiring in 2013 at age 85.

John participated in many community sports activities. He was an avid golfer and member of the Red Wing Country Club for 55 years. He played fast pitch softball for several years and was active in various bowling leagues. John was a volunteer fireman plus a member of the Red Wing Elks lodge for 50 plus years. He enjoyed working in the flower garden along side his wife. He was a devout member of St. Joseph Catholic church.

John is survived by his daughters, Linda Wiebusch and Brenda (Robert) Duncan; granddaughters Jennifer (Charley) Swanson, Melissa (Neal) Binner, Nicole (Justin) Scully, Kristine (Matt) Thulson and Jaime (Luke) Waller; grandsons David (Deirdre) Picchietti and CJ Thomas; one brother James Nelson; seven great grandchildren and two great, great granddaughters plus several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Gorsy; daughter Laurie Thomas; son-in-law Chuck Thomas and ten brothers and sisters, Leanard (Peg) Nelson, Marie (Bernard) DeMuth, Lorena (Harry) Daley, Delvina (Bruce) Leonard, Edwin (Arlene) Nelson, Ellen (Leroy) Marek, Arthur (Leona) Nelson, Elizabeth (George) Beardsley, Rosemary (Richard) Olsen and William Nelson.

Mass of Resurrection will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Church of St. Joseph with Father Brandon Theisen presiding. Visitation will be two hours  prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Red Wing Mayo Hospice or Church of St. Joseph. Arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.