Ralph W. Nelson

Ralph W. Nelson, 83, of Red Wing, Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Bay View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 10, 1936, in Duluth to Ralph and Marie (Canfield) Nelson. He graduated from Duluth East High School in 1953 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Guard. On September 22, 1962 he was united in marriage to Alice Abrahamson in Duluth. The two moved to Red Wing in 1964 where he opened his own machine shop. He attended Red Wing Vo-Tech where he studied many different vocations. He then worked for Mactech as a machinist until his retirement. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.
Ralph was a life-long learner. He enjoyed reading and learning about computers and computer programing. He also made a hobby out of repairing string instruments.
He is survived by son, Eric (Gina) Nelson; daughters, Ellen Snoeyenbos and Amy (George) Armbruster; grandchildren, Einar and Alex Snoeyenbos, Taylor and Austin Delamater, Cameron (Alyssa) Riegelman, Amber (Chris) Stewart and Jesse Riegelman; five great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Potswald and nephew, Chris (Colleen) Potswald; sister-in-law, Jeanie (Rodger) Winter and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Alice in 2019 and nephew, Thomas Potswald.
A spring burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilfuneralhome.com