Clemens Nelson, 87

Clemens Edward Nelson, age 87, of Welch, died Monday, Dec. 31, at his residence in Welch.

He was born March 15, 1925, in Red Wing, to Clarence and Ebba Victoria (Nelson) Nelson. He attended country school in Welch and graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1943. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946. He then attended the MN School of Business. He returned to Welch where he worked for the Welch Electrical Company and the feed mill. He also owned and operated the Welch Fertilizer Plant. On Dec. 23, 1950, he married Grace Eckblad at Vasa Lutheran Church. In 1965, he opened Welch Ski Village with his brother and retired on Dec. 31, 1992. Clem was also a partner for many years with Van Clemens Brokerage Firm.

He was a member of Cross of Christ Church, American Legion Leo C. Peterson #54, VFW Burnson Lillyblad #1218, Noontime Kiwanis, and the Cruiser Club. He enjoyed spending time on the river on his boat, Victoria; driving his golf cart; talking politics; fishing; singing, which he did for many weddings and funerals; playing euchre with his coffee crew; and most of all, spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Grace of Welch; four children, Robin (Michael Williams) Nelson-Williams of Welch, Richland Nelson of Welch, Ross (Jane) Nelson of Welch, Daniel (Lois Hart) Nelson of Vail, Colo.; nine grandchildren, Amanda (Matt) Durham of St. Paul, Leah, Blake, Grace, and Charlotte Nelson, all of Lynchburg, Va., Adam (Jackie) Nelson, Kellie (Levi) Dahling, Michele (Heidi Hunt) Nelson-Hunt, Danielle Nelson, all of Welch; three great-granddaughters, Alice Durham, Noelle Dahling, Ebba Nelson; two brothers, Leigh (Diane) Nelson of Welch and Alan (MaryLou) Nelson of Red Wing; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter; father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Memorial service was 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, with Reverend Robert Berthold officiating. Visitation was 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, and 1 hour prior to the service at church on Thursday. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials are preferred to Cross of Christ Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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