Merle Nelson

Merle Nelson, age 68 from rural, Bagley, MN passed away on Wednesday, May 27th at The Country Place at Erskine, MN. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 1st at 2:00 PM at Fridhem Lutheran Church in Lengby, MN with Rev. Aage Carlsen and Rev. Dan Cole officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 31st from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home in Fosston, MN, and there will also be reviewal for one hour before the funeral at the church on Monday afternoon. Interment will be at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, in Columbia Township, rural Bagley. The Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston is in charge of the arrangements. Messages of condolence may be sent to carlinhoialmen.com.Merle Robert Nelson was born January 2, 1947 in Fosston, Minnesota to parents Nels and Emily Nelson (Lorentson). He attended country school and graduated from Fosston High School in 1964. Following graduation, he worked in various construction and truck driving jobs.On August 3, 1968, Merle was united in marriage to Janet Halvorson. Following their marriage, they moved to the farm in Columbia Township. Merle continued driving milk truck until the fall of 1973 when he started farming.Merle became ill in 2011 and spent the past four years receiving nursing care, most recently at The Country Place Assisted Living at Erskine, where he was able to resume some of his favorite activities including fishing, hunting, and visiting his old neighbors in Columbia Township.He served on the Fridhem Lutheran Church council for many years, the St. Peter Cemetery Association Board, and twenty-five years on the Columbia Township Board. Merle enjoyed hunting, fishing, telling stories, and seeing the grandkids. He really enjoyed time spent hunting and fishing with his friends and family.On Wednesday, May 27, 2015, Merle Nelson passed away at The Country Place Assisted Living at the age of 68.He is survived by his wife Janet of rural Bagley; and son Paul (Liza) Nelson, daughter Jolene Nelson, and daughter Lori (Jon) Hand, all of Fosston. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Gunnar Nelson, Warren Nelson, Parker Nelson, Kendall Hand, Morgan Hand, and Harper Hand; one brother, Chester (Deb) Nelson; one sister, Joan (Donnie) Nelson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by parents Nels and Emily Nelson (Lorentson); stepfather Norman Lorentson, and sister, Jeanne Gillen.