Rodney O. Nelson

Rodney O. Nelson age 71 of Pelican Rapids, MN formerly of Barnesville, MN died Tuesday August 2, 2011 at his residence. Rodney Nelson was born on March 23, 1940 in Barnesville, MN to Olai and Norella Scheffler Nelson. He grew up and attended school in Barnesville and was baptized and confirmed at St. James United Church of Christ. He graduated from Barnesville High School in 1958. He farmed with his father and brothers and also worked on the installation of power lines in MN and missile silos in ND. On February 11, 1961 he was united in marriage to Sharon Nelson in Barnesville, MN. They farmed in rural Barnesville for many years. Rodney also worked for American Crystal Sugar and MN DAK in Wahpeton, ND for 25 years during the winter months. They moved to Franklin Lake in rural Pelican Rapids in 2000 and Rodney retired from farming in 2001. Rodney was an accomplished welder and mechanic. He enjoyed time spent in his shop on the farm. He was also a pilot, owning a plane with his brother Ivan. He enjoyed snowmobiles, four wheeling, motorcycles, boating, ice fishing and the family pets. Rodney liked to tell a joke or two and was referred to as "The Entertainment Director" by his friends when on a trip with them. Most of all he truly enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He is survived by his wife Sharon, two daughters, Paula (Tim) Sanden, of Fargo, ND; and Joni (Bill) Moore, of Reno, NV; three sons, Robert (Nellie) Nelson, of Riverview, FL; Terry (Karin) Nelson, of Bradenton, FL; and Ryan Nelson, of Sarasota, FL; eleven grandchildren, Sarah and Rachel Sanden, Jamie Teahan, Zachary and Joshua Nelson, Adriana and Tommy Doerr, Taylor and Dalton Nelson, Laurel Nelson, and Taylor Rodocker; two brothers, Douglas (Charlotte) Nelson, of Barnesville, MN; and Ivan (Gloria) Nelson, of Barnesville, MN; one sister, Ilene Krueger, of Bradenton, FL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Dale Robert Nelson, and his parents.