Cover photo for John  Robert Nelson's Obituary
John  Robert Nelson Profile Photo
1936 John 2020

John Robert Nelson

October 3, 1936 — May 18, 2020

John R. Nelson, 83, passed away peacefully, Monday, May 18th, 2020 at Sunset Home, Kenyon, after a number of years struggling with Alzheimer's.

John was born on October 3, 1936 in Leon Township, Goodhue County, to Joseph and Randie (Ohnstad) Nelson. He attended country school through the 8th grade and later completed his GED. He took correspondence courses to learn radio and television repair. He had his own business in Wanamingo, as a very young man. Later, he worked for Eddie Nelson in Zumbrota.

On November 4, 1961, at the Spring Garden Church in Cannon Falls, John was united in marriage to Barbara Swanson. The couple made their home in Wanamingo, where John worked in electronics sales and service for Syverson Hardware. In 1979, John opened up his own business, Nelson Electronics, working well into his 70's, until he retired. John was well known throughout the area; he never finished a meal at a restaurant without someone stopping by his table with a question or repair request.

His Christian faith and his relationship with Jesus Christ was very important to him. This was evident by his relationships with people, especially those in need. He was a Gideon for over 30 years and was active in prison ministry to the Correctional Facility in Red Wing. He served as an elder and was a founding member of the New Life Church in Wanamingo.

John enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, starting as a young boy. He also had a love for motorcycles and vintage cars. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren, all 8 boys, and it is his deepest desire that they love and follow Jesus.

He is survived by, daughter, Sara (David) Carlson of Wanamingo, son, Eric (Lisa) Nelson of Wanamingo; Grandchildren: Joe (Libby) Carlson, Andrew (Rachael) Carlson, Phillip (Lindsey) Carlson, Jacob (Emily) Nelson, Sam Nelson, Isaac Nelson, Luke (Amy) Nelson, and John Nelson; great-grandchildren, Bear, Irie, Grimm, Finnley, Tucker Carlson; brother Clifford (Ruthann) Nelson, sister, Mavis Jondi (Paul) Big and sister-in-law Janice Nelson.

Preceded in death by wife, Barbara ( December 4, 2018), parents, Joe and Randie, brothers, Arnold and Wallace Nelson and sister Rose Nygaard.

Blessed be his memory.

Due to the pandemic restrictions, funeral services will be private.

Online tributes are welcomed and may be written to mahnfamilyhome.com

Memorial Service

MAY 21. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT)

New Life Church
525 Beverly East Street
Wanamingo, MN 55983
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Robert Nelson, please visit our flower store.

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