Gerald “Gary” Nelson

Gerald “Gary” Nelson, 78, of Browns Valley, died November 25, 2016, at the Coteau Des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Browns Valley, MN with Rev. Paul Warnier officiating. Urn bearer will be Gary’s grandson Chris Maggard.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial, with military honors will take place at Valley View Cemetery.

Gerald “Gary” Delroy Nelson was born on February 12, 1938, to Paul and Gladys (Anderson) Nelson in Browns Valley, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed in Browns Valley at Zion Lutheran Church. He attended High School in Browns Valley and graduated with the class of 1956. Gary married Faye Raw on November 9, 1957 at Zion Lutheran Church in Browns Valley. This union was blessed with four children; Lori, Brian, Cari and Julie.

Gary enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country from 1958-1962. Following his honorable discharge he moved to Beardsley, MN, and worked as a bartender until 1966. The family moved to Raytown, MO where he was employed by Macy’s at one of their warehouses. In 1976 the family moved back to Browns Valley, MN and Gary worked as a commercial fisherman. Most recently, Gary worked roofing and siding houses.

In his younger years, Gary enjoyed playing on the local baseball team. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing for Silver Bass in the spring of the year. He was a hardworking man. He was proud of his immaculate yard and often helped friends and neighbors with their yards. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family. He cherished his grandchildren and treasured the time they could spend together.

Gary is survived by his wife of 59 years, Faye Nelson of Browns Valley, MN; children: Lori Nelson of Kansas City, MO; Brian (Jill) Nelson of Browns Valley, MN; Cari (Greg) Haanen of Browns Valley, MN; Julie (Rob) Fuller of Kansas City, MO; Grandchildren; Chris Maggard of Kansas City, MO; Erin (Josh) Haanen-Biel of Browns Valley, MN; Cara Maggard (Tom Sherman) of Kansas City, MO; Amanda Nelson of San Antonio, TX; Whitney Haanen (Jake Johnson) of Browns Valley, MN; Savanna Haanen of Browns Valley, MN; Reece Fuller of Kansas City, MO; Jason (Rachel) Piechowski of Sisseton, SD; Jackson (Kimberly) Piechowski of North Port , FL; Great Grandchildren; Freedom Maggard of Kansas City, MO; Vaeya Sherman of Kansas City, MO; Preston Biel of Browns Valley, MN; Ian Johnson of Browns Valley, MN; siblings; Gene (Marlys) Nelson of Stillwater, MN; Dennis (Maureen) Nelson of St. Paul, MN; and Elaine (Bud) Gregovich of Salt lake City, UT.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

In Lieu of flowers Gary’s family request that donations be given to Browns Valley Fire Department, Browns Valley Ambulance or Zion Lutheran Church.