Alton "Al" Nelson was born on April 10, 1918, in Stockholm, South Dakota to the late Alfred and Florence (Nelsen) Nelson. He was confirmed at the Evangelical Free Church in Brock, Minnesota and baptized at the First Lutheran Church in St. James, Minnesota. Al received his education in Cokato, Minnesota; graduating in the Class of 1935. He continued his education at Dunwoody Institute. Al was drafted into the United States Army on April 3, 1941, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, prior to World War II. After completing Officer Candidate School, he trained troops for combat as a First Lieutenant. While deployed in the Philippines and Japan, he monitored food and ammunition stocks of captured Japanese stores. After World War II, he remained in the Army Reserve. He later served on active duty in the Korean War and attained the rank of Captain in charge of the Heavy Infantry Motor Pool, 2nd Division, deployed at the 38th Parallel. After the Korean War, he was honorably discharged and returned home after receiving numerous medals and citations.

On April 16, 1944, Al was united in marriage to Ruth Virginia Gustafson in Savannah, Georgia. This marriage was blessed with three children, Richard, Jo Ann and Ralph. During his civilian life, Al managed and owned automotive parts businesses. He managed stores in Minneapolis, Buffalo and Mankato. In 1961, he became owner of the NAPA store in St. James where he ran a successful business. In 1978, Al and Ruth sold the NAPA store and moved to Maple Lake, Minnesota where they constructed a lake home on Indian Lake. At Indian Lake, Al assisted in the formation of the "Lake Association".

Al took an active role in "Citizen Lake monitoring" for twenty years. As a result of his efforts, he received a citation from Governor Pawlenty. Al served on the finance committee, ushered and helped construct the Holy Cross Lutheran Church (a Home Mission Church) in Maple Lake. His active role in the Bethel Bible Study led to a later desire to visit Israel. On September 7, 1989, Ruth passed away. After her death, Al continued to live in Maple Lake. On June 22, 1995, Al was united in marriage to Lucille Pierson Lewis at the American Lutheran Church in Windom. In 2008, Al sold his home in Maple Lake to live in Windom where he remained until passing away there on Friday evening, January 6, 2012, at the age of 93 years.

Al was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Windom. He also was a member of the Annandale Pioneer Park, the Wright County Historical Society, Maple Lake VFW, St. James American Legion, St, James Rotary Club, served on the St. James zoning and planning commission.

Al is survived by his wife, Lucille Nelson of Windom; three children Richard (Janet) Nelson of Columbus, OH; Jo Ann (Dennis) Barsten of Indianapolis, IN; Ralph (Nancy) Nelson of Redmond, WA; two step-children, Steven (Beth) Lewis of La Crosse, WI; Jane Faber of Windom; 10 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 1 step-great-grandchild; one brother, Harlan (Myrtle) Nelson of Hutchinson; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Al is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Ruth Nelson; and three sisters, Bernice, Harriet and Lucille.

Blessed be the memory of Al Nelson.
... Read More