Verne Nelson
Verne Convel Nelson, age 92, of Strathcona, passed away, Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Thief River Falls Care Center.
Verne was born at home in Huntly Township on September 12, 1930, to Conrad and Sigri (Johnson) Nelson. He attended Huntley Township country school (114 East), followed by Middle River high school where he graduated in 1948. He was part of the first class in the new Middle River School after a prior fire. After graduation he attended a year of College in Crookston studying agriculture. He then returned home and helped his parents with farming and milking cows. He worked at Kiene Farms in Kennedy, MN followed by employment with Russel Wicklund doing carpentry work in Greenbush, MN. Verne remodeled many homes and buildings in the local area.
On August 29, 1973, Verne was united in marriage to Karen Berg at Gustav Adolph Lutheran Church in Strathcona, MN where they were lifelong members. They lived together on the family farm in Strathcona. Verne was very involved with family and community alike. He is most known for his work cutting meat in his butcher shop on the farm, for many local farmers and hunters, retiring at age 90. He often spent time assisting Karen with tax and helping in the summers with the Berg family Hamburger stand at the Fertile Fair. He served as Clerk for Huntly Township for 42 years. He was also on the Greenwood Cemetery board, Church Council, and served as Fire Warden.
Verne had a large love for horses and rarely missed a local rodeo or chance to ride. He was a great storyteller with a fun sense of humor. He was often found with his cup of coffee in hand at the kitchen table, visiting with neighbors, family, and friends.
He is survived by his wife Karen, one daughter Lisa (Julie) Nelson, Thief River Falls, MN; two stepsons Rodney (Yvonne) Wolff, St. Joseph, WI; Robert (Sally) Wolff, Amery, WI; three sisters Lenay (Jerry) VanHorn, Superior, WI; Adell Miller, Greenbush, MN; Jeanne Collins, Karlstad, MN, numerous other grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Verne was preceded in death by his parents, older sister Leona Good, nephew Paul Miller, three brothers-in-law Norman Good, Walter Miller, Pat Collins, and two grandchildren in infancy.
A Memorial service was held at 2:00PM, Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Collins Funeral Home in Middle River with Pastor Mitch Tolpingrud presiding. Visitation was held one hour prior to services. Interment services will be held at Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Middle River.
An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com.