1915
Leo
2006
Leo Nelson
September 10, 1915 — September 2, 2006
Leo Alfred Nelson was born on September 10, 1915, in Balaton, MN, to parents, Alfred and Alma (Cedarholm) Nelson. Leo was baptized at his home in Balaton as an infant and was confirmed into the Lutheran faith on May 31, 1931, at the Sillerud Lutheran Church in Balaton, MN. As a young boy, Leo attended school in Balaton and graduated Balaton High School in 1933. Following graduation, Leo worked for one year prior to attending Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, graduating with his degree in English in 1938. He then attended Augustana Lutheran Seminary in Rock Island, IL, from 1938 to 1940. After completing his Seminary Training, Leo had a one year internship in Tribune, Kansas.
During his internship, Leo met Gladys Ochsner. The couple was married on July 5, 1942, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tribune, KS. To this union two children were born, Luther and Clarine. Following his pastoral internship, Leo became a ground school instructor for Navy pilots. Leo was then drafted into the United States Army, where he attained the rank of T-5 in the 186th Infantry Regiment serving in the Pacific. On March 26, 1946, Leo was honorably discharged from service. After his discharge, the couple moved to Cheyenne, WY, for a short time and then to Greeley, CO, where he attained his Teaching Certificate. Leo and Gladys then moved to Clarkfield, MN, in 1947, where he taught until the spring of 1952. Leo and his family made several other moves to Aberdeen, SD, as well as Grand Forks, ND, before moving to Ortonville, MN, in 1962, where he taught until his retirement in 1981. Another proud accomplishment in Leo?s teaching career was attaining his Master?s in Counseling from Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD, in 1957.
In his spare time, Leo enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as woodworking. He also treasured his quiet time spent reading all sorts of books. Leo cherished memories made with family and friends and will be truly missed by his family and all the students whose lives he touched.
Leo passed away Saturday, September 2, 2006, at the Franklin Healthcare Center in Franklin, MN, reaching the age of 90 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Alma; wife, Gladys, one brother, L. Alphonse Nelson; and one sister, Leona Swanson.
Leo is survived by his children, Luther Nelson of Jacksonville, FL; and Clarine Nelson of Pine City, MN; one brother, Lloyd Nelson of Talent, OR; two sisters, Luella Miller of Minneapolis, MN; and Lorrayne (Wayne) Bean of Crossville, TN; grandchildren, Karla Nelson, Gail Nelson, Micah (Maranda) Thureen, Paul Thureen, Caroline Thureen, Angela (Karl) Metzig, Kathlyn Thureen, LeeAnne Thureen, Norman Nelson, Shianna Nelson, and Tianna Nelson; two great-grandchildren, Thomas Thureen and Arrison Throntveit; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
During his internship, Leo met Gladys Ochsner. The couple was married on July 5, 1942, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tribune, KS. To this union two children were born, Luther and Clarine. Following his pastoral internship, Leo became a ground school instructor for Navy pilots. Leo was then drafted into the United States Army, where he attained the rank of T-5 in the 186th Infantry Regiment serving in the Pacific. On March 26, 1946, Leo was honorably discharged from service. After his discharge, the couple moved to Cheyenne, WY, for a short time and then to Greeley, CO, where he attained his Teaching Certificate. Leo and Gladys then moved to Clarkfield, MN, in 1947, where he taught until the spring of 1952. Leo and his family made several other moves to Aberdeen, SD, as well as Grand Forks, ND, before moving to Ortonville, MN, in 1962, where he taught until his retirement in 1981. Another proud accomplishment in Leo?s teaching career was attaining his Master?s in Counseling from Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD, in 1957.
In his spare time, Leo enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as woodworking. He also treasured his quiet time spent reading all sorts of books. Leo cherished memories made with family and friends and will be truly missed by his family and all the students whose lives he touched.
Leo passed away Saturday, September 2, 2006, at the Franklin Healthcare Center in Franklin, MN, reaching the age of 90 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Alma; wife, Gladys, one brother, L. Alphonse Nelson; and one sister, Leona Swanson.
Leo is survived by his children, Luther Nelson of Jacksonville, FL; and Clarine Nelson of Pine City, MN; one brother, Lloyd Nelson of Talent, OR; two sisters, Luella Miller of Minneapolis, MN; and Lorrayne (Wayne) Bean of Crossville, TN; grandchildren, Karla Nelson, Gail Nelson, Micah (Maranda) Thureen, Paul Thureen, Caroline Thureen, Angela (Karl) Metzig, Kathlyn Thureen, LeeAnne Thureen, Norman Nelson, Shianna Nelson, and Tianna Nelson; two great-grandchildren, Thomas Thureen and Arrison Throntveit; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.