Herbert Ray Nelson

Obituary

     Herbert Ray Nelson (H. R.) was born May 30, 1924, in Hector, Minnesota, to Swedish immigrants, Alfred Nelson from Holland Province, and Selma Sophie Jonason from Smaland Province.  He was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Hector.  Herb grew up in Hector, and graduated from the Hector High School.  He continued his education at the Wisconsin School of Banking. 

     Herb had a lifelong love of flying.  Before serving in the Army Air Corp during WWII, he married his high school sweetheart, Alta Sampson.  After the war, they made a home and lived happily in Fairfax, Minnesota, and also kept a Stuga on Lake Washington in Dassel, Minnesota, where friends and family gathered for many years.  Herb was President of the First National Bank in Fairfax for many years before retiring after over 45 years of service to the people in Fairfax.  He lived by a saying passed down by his mother, “the Lord put us on this earth to help one another,” and he was devoted to giving to causes he felt strongly about. 

     Herb, the “Fairfax Swede,” belonged to many community and charitable organizations throughout his life.  He was a strong facilitator of getting the nursing home in Fairfax, starting the golf course in the area, and also the Lion’s Park in Fairfax.  Herb was a Boy Scout Master, a member of the VFW, Rotary Club, helped to organize the Fairfax Lion’s Club, was a Master of the Winthrop Masonic Lodge, and a lifelong member of the American Swedish Institute.  He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Fairfax.

     Herb passed away on July 19, 2014, at the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center, having reached the age of 90 years.  Blessed be his memory.

     Herb was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Alta Anitha Nelson, son Richard, granddaughter Brenda Nelson, brothers: Doc Lloyd Nelson and wife Olive, Clarence Nelson, and Donald Nelson, and by his sisters: Marion Melberg and husband Robert, and Elna Reuber and husband Cliff. 

     He is survived by his five children: Kent Nelson and his wife Barb of Sartell, Minnesota, Reginald Nelson and his wife Sharon of Brainerd, Rodney Nelson and his wife Prisana of Blaine, Deb and her husband Dan of Hastings, Michigan, and Randall Nelson of Moose Lake; long-term caring and traveling companion, Donna Piehl, of Hector, Minnesota; nine grandchildren: Christopher Nelson, Michele Ruettimann, Naomi Maliske (Mitch), Anthony H. Nelson (Cassandra), Dustin Nelson, Jintana Nelson, Shannon Nelson, Eric Carpenter (Kara), and Calli Carpenter; 11 great-grandchildren:  Camryn Nelson, Ava Nelson, Isabella Maliske, Sophia Maliske, Chase Nelson, Samantha Nelson, Elizabeth Nelson, Jake Ruettimann, P. J. Ruettimann, and Mariko Ruettimann, Colin Carpenter; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

     A special thanks to the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center and the Renville County Hospice for the fine care they provided for Herb.