Service Information
Kenneth Bernard Nelson
June 15, 1939 – May 25, 2018
Kenneth passed on Friday, May 25, 2018 at Prairie Senior Cottages of New Ulm, but had previously lived
on the family farm, near Fairfax.
A gathering, in his memory for family and friends, will be on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Our Savior’s
Lutheran Church in Fairfax, beginning at Noon, and a memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. A meal will
be served afterward.
Interment will be private, and located at Camp Cemetery in rural Fairfax.
Obituary
Kenneth Bernard Nelson was born on June 15, 1939, in Renville County, Franklin, Minnesota. He was the
son of Bernhard and Marian (U’Ren) Nelson. Ken was baptized as an infant, and later confirmed in his
faith at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Franklin. He received his education, and was graduated from
Franklin Public School in 1957.
Before leaving Franklin to serve in the Army National Guard, Ken worked with his father and extended
family at the family business, Nelson Yards. Later, he farmed in Camp and Palmyra Townships. Following
retirement, Ken was also a groundskeeper for Heartland Corn Products in Winthrop, Minnesota. His
work and service also extended to the Palmyra Insurance Company board.
On September 10, 1972, Ken and Deborah Anderson were married at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in
Fairfax, Minnesota. The couple raised two sons, Thor and Carl. Ken and Deb enjoyed their time together
on the family farm and were also active at Our Savior’s, and in local and civic endeavors.
Exploring the outdoors and hunting were among the most frequent pastimes for Ken, and he raised his
sons with an appreciation and respect for nature. He enjoyed the opportunity to gather with friends and
family, but could frequently be found gardening, birding, and pursuing “country life.”
On August 31st 2017, Ken moved to Prairie Senior Cottages of New Ulm and found an unexpected
opportunity to form lasting bonds with the staff members and residents. There, he passed on May 25,
2018, in the presence of family and friends.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Bernhard and Marian of Franklin, Minn.; sister, Barbara (Nelson)
Lehar of Fairfax, Minn., and brother-in-law, George Munsey of Minneapolis, Minn.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Nelson of Fairfax, Minn.; and two sons, Thor Nelson of Nicollet,
Minn., and Carl Nelson (Olga), of Amboy, Minn.; grandchildren Myles and Amelia of Nicollet, Minn.; and
three sisters: Yvette Nelson of Minneapolis, Rachel (Mike) Rasmussen of Charlotte, N.C.; Mary Nelson of
Minneapolis, Minn.; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Jens H Jensen says
We are very sorry to learn about Ken. We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time. So many wonderful memories over the years.
Jens, Kathy, & Kirsten Jensen
Rockford, MN
David U’Ren says
Kenny, a unique individual whom I admired and respected, a cousin who I looked for at family gatherings and wanted to have long conversations with, but the conversations were always too short to plum the depths of this strong, quiet individual. His smile and sparkling blue eyes hid mysteries that I wanted in on! But , no, that was not to be,at least not in this life, Now I look forward to meeting him in the next life where we will both have time enough to share the thoughts and ideas he hept to himself in this life. May he Rest In Peace in the bosom of God!
Jackie Simmons says
Am sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing.My sincere condolences to his family. Jackie Finley Simmons
Heather Tollefson says
Carl and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the coming time ahead. May God Bless Ken and all of you.
Heather & Mike Tollefson
St. Peter, MN
Lamberta Doll says
My sympatby in the passing of your husband and father. I was in AZ and did not hear about Ken’s passing until late this summer. Glenn always enjoyed. Ken’s visits and the magazines he would drop off. I hope they can spend more time together now .