Kenneth D. Nelson

Kenny Nelson, the youngest of Richard and Malina's children, was born May 23, 1923 in Frazee, MN, and passed away on December 21, 2013 in Detroit Lakes. He is survived by his son Kit (Jackie) Nelson of Vergas, Minnesota, their two children Kristoff (Kate) of Boston, MA, Jessica (Wayne) Wegener of Blaine, MN, and their two children Isabelle and Brynlee; and his daughter Julie Nelson of St. Paul, MN. His siblings and wife, Pearl (Mistelske) Nelson, preceded him in death. Kenny loved the outdoors, had a kind heart, and taught his children to honor and respect nature as well. Many family vacations were enjoyed camping at the Arrrowhead and Gunflint Trails, with a few sojourns to Yellowstone, the Black Hills, and the Grand Teton National Parks. He was an avid hunter and fisherman with family and friends. He loved music, encouraged his children to play in the band, and was known to play his old C-melody saxophone upon occasion. He loved his daughter's Manchester terrier, "Spike," and played "hide and seek" with Spike, crawling on his hands and knees from room to room. He also loved watching football, as this was his passion while attending Frazee High School. At the age of 18, Kenny enlisted in the Marines in 1942, and became one of the elite Carlson's Raiders. He was an excellent Marine, and fought in Guadalcanal (Carlson's Long Patrol) and Okinawa where he was seriously wounded. After his recovery, he married and served limited duty in Oceanside, CA until his honorable discharge. Kenny returned to Vergas, MN and studied mechanics at Wahpeton State School of Science. His family relocated to Minneapolis in the early 1950s where he worked as a diesel mechanic, eventually retiring from Hennepin County and returning to Vergas' Sybil Lake to resume his passions for fishing, hunting and golf. He and wife Pearl attended many Marine Raider reunions throughout the country and travelled to Norway and Germany as well as winter vacations away from snow and cold! He will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends, as he was a special dad, grandpa and uncle to all. His boisterous laughter, mischievous sense of humor, and loving, loyal nature will echo forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.