Leland Allen Nelson was born January 15, 1924 in rural Riceford, Minnesota, the son of Adolph and Doris (Rank) Nelson. He attended school in Blackhammer, Minnesota and was confirmed at the Riceford Evangelical Lutheran Church. He married Elizabeth Kimber on October 31, 1947 in Spring Grove, Minnesota.
Leland loved an adventure. As a youth he traveled to the Dakotas where he helped harvest wheat. After marrying Elizabeth in 1947, Leland and Elizabeth moved to Illinois where he worked in a tool and die factory. They eventually returned to Minnesota where Leland farmed with his brother for a few years and later drove semi over-the-road. It was while driving semi, Leland saw a sign recruiting workers to Greenland. The adventure was irresistible and Leland spent four years working construction at Tule Air Force Base in Greenland. Leland spent the majority of his career at Nelson Brothers Drilling in Decorah. Leland’s hobbies included woodworking and antique collection. He loved all sports and in his youth he was Golden Glove Champion of Minnesota. His adventurous nature even led him to take flying lessons.
Leland passed away Friday, September 3, 2010 at the Wellington Place Nursing Home in Decorah at the age of 86.
Leland’s survivors include a daughter Sharon (Art) DuPratt of Ankeny, Iowa; a son Dale (Candi) of Calmar, Iowa; daughter-in-law Bev Nelson; seven grandchildren Jean Ann (Rick) Reed, Jessica (Zane) Sweeney, and Jamie Hatfield, Dallas (Sheri) Nelson, Ryan Nelson, Justin (Nicole) Nelson, and Laurie Nelson; ten great grandchildren Sherri and Brian Reed, Ashlyn and Corbin Sweeney, John Hatfield, Brooklynn, Austin, and Dalton Nelson, Monique Nelson, and Taylor Nelson; two great-great grandchildren Justin and Hailie Reed; four brothers Arnold (Doris), Alfred (Cuffy) (Opal), Milfred (Joan), and Mervin (Marilyn); three sisters Stella Shuda, Ada (Ray) Kjos, and Dorie (Jerry) Thrall; two sisters-in-law Rose Nelson and Eleanor Nelson; one brother- in-law Duane Chesley; and special friend Oda Lensing.
Leland was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth in 2004; a son Terry; his parents Adolph and Doris; four brothers William, Lorn, Melvin, and Alvin; two sisters Viola Chesley and Alice Christopherson; three sister-in-laws Mary and Polly (William) Nelson, and Jean (Melvin) Nelson; and two brother-in-in-laws LeRoy Christopherson and Bernie Shuda.
Funeral services will be 1 PM Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church in Burr Oak, Iowa with the Rev. Matt Larson officiating. Burial will be in the Burr Oak Cemetery. Vistitation will be 4 – 8 PM Tuesday, September 7 at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church. |
