Lee Nielson

Lee Nielson, age 91, of Erskine, MN, passed away on Thursday, April 21st, at Essentia Health Living Center in Fosston. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14th, at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine with Pastor Mike Sletto and Pastor Randy Reimer officiating. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Mentor, MN. Family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church. The service will be live-streamed on the Carlin Facebook Page and also recorded for later viewing on the Carlin website. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the maintenance of the Rose Hill Cemetery.  Donations can be mailed to; Rose Hill Cemetery, P.O. Box 32, Mentor, MN 56736.

Lee William Nielson was born on July 13, 1930 to James and Bessie (Crosby) Nielson in Poplar River Township, MN. Lee was raised with his older brother Wilbur and sisters, Nellie and Bess.

Lee was passionate in his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Daily, Lee and Lorna would read and meditate with devotions, Bible study, and prayer, seeking deeper understanding of God’s love and promises through His Word.

Lee met the love of his life, Lorna Marie Norrell and they married September 28, 1952, in Bemidji, MN.  He loved and cherished his wife of nearly 70 years.

An avid sportsman and horseman, Lee spent many hours riding his favorite horse, Banner, he enjoyed water skiing, his Harley Davidson motorcycle, his black Plymouth convertible, hunting in Montana, and while in high school, played football.

Lee was an incredible craftsman, becoming expert as a welder and woodworker, created many amazing tools, equipment improvements, custom furniture, and cabinetry.

His custom cabinetry, furniture, and velvet-lined jewelry cases are cherished by Lorna, his daughters, and friends.

Lee personally remodeled and expanded the entire home that he and Lorna lived in for almost 70 years.  His incredible touch remains visible everywhere in the farm home they love.

Lee had an unending passion to serve his family and community.

He worked his farm with his father, incorporating dairy into the family business.  Lee instilled strong work and moral ethics within his family.

His community service included his participation in the Erskine School Board.  This stewardship enabled him to present each of his children their graduation certificates.

His served in several churches as a Sunday School teacher.  He taught confirmation for many years, including his children, and the book of Revelation during their senior year.

He served as a Red Lake County Commissioner, for many years, improving safety, security and multiple infrastructures within the tri-county area and the state.

Lee was always there to help neighbors in their time of need, either with their cattle herds, during seeding and harvest seasons, or repairing their equipment, and lending a strong, skilled hand.

Lee is survived by his wife Lorna, five children (and spouses): son Randy and Yongsuk Nielson of Owens Crossroads, AL, Anthony Nielson, (Christian, Jesse), Michelle Nielson; son Brian and Mary Nielson of Burnsville, MN, Michael and Jessica Nielson (Ava, Owen, Collyns, and Murphy); Eric Nielson (Anna, and Emily); Tim and Ashlie Nielson (Hunter, Delaney and Remy); daughter Wanda and Del DeKrey of Grand Forks, ND, Neil and Laiel DeKrey (Micah); Lee and Caroline DeKrey (Asher, Cadence and Scarlett); daughter Debra and Nicholas Neibauer of Fertile, MN, Nicholas, Jr. and Brandon Neibauer, Dustin and Katherine Neibauer (Elise and Charles), and Casey Neibauer; daughter Brenda and Scott Krueger of Boise, ID, Katherine and Daryl Lambert (Lucia, Theo, and Arlo); Scott Krueger and Charolette Dugoni.

Lee is also survived by his sister Nellie Field, of Norco, CA, sister-in-law Judith Bylkas, brother-in-law Dennis and Pamela Norrell, brother-in-law Larry and Janice Norrell, brother-in-law/son Dwight (Skip) and Patty Norrell, several nieces, nephews, and many special friends.

Lee and Lorna are also blessed with their special “sons” (and spouses), Steve and Naomi Foldoe and Doug and Paula Foldoe of Mentor, MN.

Lee was proceeded in death by his father, mother, brothers Wilbur and Duane, sisters Bess and Sarah Elsa, his mother- and father-in-law, Thelma and Ed Norrell, numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, other cherished relatives, and friends.

He was well cared for and loved by the staff of Essentia Health Living Center, Fosston, MN.

On April 21, 2022, Lee went home and is now in the arms of Jesus, his Lord and Savior.