Lloyd Maynard Nelson

Lloyd "Henhouse" Nelson, age 94, passed away Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at the Red Wing Health Center. He was born June 18, 1916 in Hartland, Minnesota, raised in Redwood Falls and later Marshall, where he graduated from high school. He moved to Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served for 52 months and was a member of the 175th Field Artillery Division, which became part of the famous 34th Red Bull Division. Following the war, Lloyd married his war-time sweetheart, Frances, and moved to Red Wing for a position as meat manager with Red Owl. His career included 25 years as co-owner of Lloyd's Produce and 27 years as a realtor with Siewert Construction/Star Realty. He took his career "full-circle" by returning to meat cutting before retiring at age 86. Over the years, Lloyd served as president of the Red Wing Country Club, twice served on their board of directors and also served as president of the Red Wing Realty Board. He was a life member of the American Legion, DAV, Elks Lodge, and the VFW. Last fall, Lloyd attended a ceremony at Camp Ripley where he received special recognition for his military service in North Africa and Italy during WWII. He served in six major battle campaigns and spent 517 days in front line combat. The current Commander in Chief of the 34th Red Bull Division was in attendance. Lloyd and three other surviving members of the 175th Field Artillery Division were presented with medals for meritorious service from the Adjutant General of the MN National Guard. Governor Pawlenty signed a proclamation in recognition of their service as well.

Lloyd is survived by two daughters, Norvina (Walter) Michels of Edina and Jacqueline (David) Gallik of Newport News, Virginia; nine grandchildren, Shaun (Cindy) Nelson, Shea (Gene) Ringold, Andre, Adrien, and Allen Abad, Crane and Sam Nelson, Chelsey (Chris) Fischer and Matthew Gallik, and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Frances; daughter, Maurine, and son, Lloyd Jr. A special thank you to the home health care team, Bob Peterson, Don and Joan Smith, and Cappy Capola.

Mass of Resurrection will be 10 a.m. Monday, August 30, 2010, at the Church of St. Joseph with Father Robert Meyer officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.