Service Information
Russell R. Nelson, age 89, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 2:00 P.M. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at Faith Lutheran Church.
Military Honors by the Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
Obituary
Russell Robert Nelson was born on October 11, 1931, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of August and Marie (Rasmussen) Nelson. Russell was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Faith Lutheran Church. He received his education in Hutchinson and was a graduate with the Hutchinson High School class of 1949.
Russell entered active military service in the United States Navy on December 29, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received an Honorable Discharge on November 2, 1954, in Long Beach, California and achieved the rank of SK3.
On January 17, 1953, Russell was united in marriage to Doris Rotzien at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with three children, Chris, Randy, and Diane. Russell and Doris resided in Hutchinson. They shared 67 years of marriage.
Russell was employed at Shopko as a manager for 15 years.
Russell enjoyed reading, playing cards, duck hunting in his youth, and spending time at the cabin at Maple Lake. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 96 in Hutchinson and the 40&8.
Russell passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 89 years. Blessed be his memory.
Russell is survived by his:
Wife, Doris Nelson of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Chris Nelson of Deephaven, MN,
Randy Nelson and his wife, Linda, of Silver Lake, MN,
Diane Thorstenson and her husband, Bob, of Cape Coral, FL;
Grandchildren, Derek Thorstenson of Salt Lake City, UT;
Paul Thorstenson of Titusville, FL;
Many other relatives and friends.
Russell is preceded in death by his Parents, August and Marie Nelson; Sister, Lorraine Barrick and her husband, Ralph; Stepmother, Helen Nelson.
Kathy Stueber says
Doris, Chris,Randy and Diane
Words can not express the loss you must feel. Russell was my second dad for so many years. Oh the memories we have. My thought, prayers and hugs to you.
Bonnie A Karl says
Doris, Diane, Randy and Chris
Sending sincere sympathies to you all. I have fond memories of fun times at your home and at the lake cabin, many laughs. Russell was always a character. Sending HUGS, prayers to you all. Bonnie (Heil) Karl
Fern Hoff says
Doris, I am so sad to read of Russell’s passing. I was always so happy to see and greet you two when out and about at community events, and to realize that even after all these years we hadn’t forgotten each other. It has been a long, long time ago since I first knew you and babysat for Chris, Randy and Diane. May God grant you peace at this time. Sending love and hugs to you.
Fern Hoff
Teresa Barrick says
I was so sad to hear of Russell’s passing. I loved working and knowing Russell. He was my favorite co-worker at Shopko. God bless and hope you have peace the coming year, Love to you all. Teri and Russell Barrick and family
Marvel Blom says
Worked with Russell at Shopko. Always friendly and added humor to brighten the day. My sympathy to you, Doris and family.