Thief River Falls - Russell Nelson, 86, died Monday, July 21, 1997 at his home in Thief River Falls.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 24 at Zion Lutheran Church with Reverend Dennis Raymond officiating. Ida Nordvall was the organist, and Van Swanson was the soloist. A duet was sung by Bonnie and Melvin Hanson. Casketbearers were Robb Nelson, Ross Nelson, Jeff Langlie, Brandon Langlie, Steve Stadler, Jared Comstock and Dale Narlock. Special honorary friends were Donald and Bernice Lenhart, Lloyd and Violet Lenhart, Arlyne Soiney, LaVern Knutson, Ray and Rosemary DeMeyere, Irvin and Marge Jarshaw, Bob and Anne Kraemer, Dale and Lori Narlock, Dolly McGlynn, Stella Novak, Patsy Elliot and Bernice Knutson. Burial was at Rindal Cemetery, New Solum township, Marshall County. The Green Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Russell Grant Nelson was born September 12, 1910 at Drayton, ND to John and Ida (Ronberg) Nelson. He was baptized and confirmed at Rindal Lutheran Church, rural Thief River Falls. He attended school and grew to adulthood in the Warren-Angus area and worked on farms.
Russell was united in marriage to Signe Sabo on November 15, 1934 at Wylie. They lived at Goodridge until moving to their farm in rural Newfolden in 1938. He farmed and worked for 22 years for Standard Oil Company, retiring in 1973. Russell and Signe enjoyed spending winters in Texas. She passed away in l983.
Russell continued to live on the farm until 1984. On January 11, 1985 he was married to Fern Knutson in Thief River Falls. For the past 12 years, they made their home in Thief River Falls.
He was a long time member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Eagles Club. Russell enjoyed sports, music, and spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Fern, of Thief River Falls; one daughter, Jeannie (Ray) Nelson of Thief River Falls; one son, Robert (Diane) Nelson of Minneapolis; foster son, Tim (Jan) Wold of Minneapolis; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two stepdaughters, Carol (Glenn) Erickson of Thief River Falls and Gaye (George) Thorson of Thief River Falls; five step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Alving (Nelle) Nelson of Crookston; and several nieces and nephews.
Russell as preceded in death by his first wife, Signe; his parents; two sisters, Lilly Bruer and Idora Thompson; two brothers, Irving and Shelby; one niece and one stepgrandson.