He was born Oct. 2, 1947 to James & Norma (Blagsvedt) Nelson. He attended Newburg country school and Mabel High School where he graduated in 1967. He was in the United States Army from 1968-1969.
He married Jeanette Hermanson in June, 1974, she passed away in January, 1980. He married Patty Denstad in July, 1982 and they had 3 children, Melissa, Michelle, and Michael. They were later divorced. He married Donna Wager in June, 2002 and they had a son, MacKenzie. She passed away in May, 2004.
Manford lived in the Mabel area most of his life. He was a member of the Mabel First Lutheran Church and of the Legion Post 299 and enjoyed all the community events. He especially enjoyed going to truck pulls, Mabel’s 50-60’s Days, Steam Engine Days and the area parades. His greatest love was spending time with his children and visiting with the family.
Manford most recently worked for the Spring Grove School as a janitor and had worked for the Caledonia School, Northern Engraving, HECO, Sara Lee and various other places.
Manford passed away peacefully on August 6, 2013 at the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home with family surrounding him following a brief illness at the age of 65.
He is lovingly survived by his children: Melissa, Michelle, Michael and MacKenzie Nelson, a stepdaughter, Holly Wager, MacKenzie’s special friend Megan Kiehne, a brother; Stanley (Marcia) Nelson, sisters; Beatrice (Norman) Sjarpe, Diane Thorson, Carolyn (Steve) Gulbranson, Cheryl (Dan) Wiste, Marianne (Paul) Rosaaen, Sandy (Kevin) Nelson, and Dorene Nelson and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wives, his parents, a brother; Richard, a sister; Darlyne Messner, and a brother-in-law; Bob Thorson.
Manford was a very loving and caring and quiet person. He will be missed by many.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2013 at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel with the Reverend Len Liptack officiating. Burial will be in the Mabel Lutheran Cemetery with military honors by the Mabel American Legion. Visitation will be 4 – 8 P.M. Friday, August 9 at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church. |
