Dale Nelson

Dale Nelson passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, surrounded by family, at CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud, MN.

Dale Lance Nelson, known to many as “Buzz”, was born on July 14, 1939, to Emil and Laura (Brown) Nelson, at his boyhood home in Stowe Prairie Township, Todd County. Dale walked to country school one-half mile from his home through eighth grade and finished his education at Verndale School.

Dale met the love of his life at the young age of 17. He married Muriel Faye Klucas on March 7, 1959, at the Hewitt Church of the Nazarene. They bought an 80-acre farm one mile from Dale’s childhood home and farmed in tandem with Dale’s parents. The Lord blessed them with four children; Kimberly, Jeffrey, David, and Camilla. As much as Dale cherished his family, his walk with his Lord and Savior was most important to him.

In addition to farming, Dale also worked at Woodland Container in Staples, MN; Homecrest Industries in Wadena, MN; Alaskan Pipeline in Prudhoe Bay, AK (6 weeks); Lindeman Body Shop in Bertha, MN; and then began his own business, Nelson’s Auto Body Shop. Dale was well-known in the Hewitt area for his skillful and creative work in the auto body business. His integrity, hard work, honesty, and kindness were apparent in the way he conducted business. Dale also became interested in building log homes after cutting his own trees and constructing his own home on the farm with his sons.

In 1990, Dale and Muriel sold their farm and embarked on a new adventure moving to Warroad, MN and worked at Marvin Window’s for 13 years. They retired near Akeley where Dale worked part-time at Walmart in Park Rapids and mowed lawns. They transitioned to Motley in 2010 and became the resident handyman for his daughters’ gift shop, still mowing lawns for area residents.

Over the years, Dale enjoyed deer hunting with his sons and grandsons. He loved taking his kids and grandkids fishing with him (ice or boat) and formed many memories with family around the campfire, giving four-wheeler rides, and coffee outings with friends. Dale could strike up a conversation with anyone and find that they had some type of connection. He enjoyed meeting new people and developing friendships. His humbleness and warm personality drew people in. He also loved the quiet time in his wood shop making unique creations and giving them to people he cared about. He was loved by all who knew him, even if only a short time.

Dale is survived by his wife of 65 years, Muriel. Also, children: Kim (Marcus) Edin, Jeff Nelson (Pamela), Dave (Christi) Nelson and Cam (Deron) Erickson. Grandchildren: Lance Edin, Amanda Edin, Andrew (Haley) Nelson, Anthony (Allison) Nelson, Sarina (Sheldon) Baron, Ryan Nelson, Carrie (Dallas) Ehrmantraut, Katie (Kevin) Will and Kellie (Caleb) Farber. 14+ Great Grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Laura Nelson; siblings, Lorraine Settle, Alverna Sorenson, Norma Baumgarten, Marvin Nelson; brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Memorials will be directed to Motley Free Methodist Church.

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