Robert Nelson

Robert Elmer Nelson, 91, Red Wing, died Sunday July 24, 2011 at Deer Crest. He was born June 20, 1920 in Minneapolis to Elmer and Lydia (Nelson) Nelson. He graduated from Red Wing High School in 1938 and from the University of Minnesota in 1942 with an engineering degree. After college graduation he served in the United States Navy on a submarine during WWII. He achieved the rank of Lt. Commander. He married Elizabeth Moe on February 16, 1946 in Minneapolis. He worked for General Electric for many years as an electrical engineer. They then lived in Washington D.C. where he worked as a Certified Financial Planner returning to Red Wing in 1989. Elizabeth died March 10, 2005. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Robert stayed active in his communities throughout his lifetime by serving on the St. Louis Park School Board, participating in church activities, Lions and Kiwanis Clubs. He also volunteered his time at the Fairview Red Wing Hospital and the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Red Wing.
Robert is survived by his daughter Sharon Nelson of Seattle, WA; his son Todd (Kris) Nelson of Eden Prairie, MN; two grandsons, Karl and Connor Nelson; one sister Lois Traeder of Bloomington, MN; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents and one sister Janet McClaran.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church with Gary Elg officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred to the church and the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences can be left at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.