Wally Nelson

Wally Nelson, age 77, of rural Clearbrook, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 9th, at his home. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17th, at the Clearbrook Community Center in Clearbrook with the Rev. Bob Kirchman officiating. Interment will be in Seljord Cemetery, rural Clearbrook. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston. Family will also greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the community center. The visitation will be a “walk-through” visitation and mask use is required at both the visitation and memorial service. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Wallace Lionell Nelson was born on September 25, 1943, to William and Mildred (Mickelson) Nelson in Badger, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at the Roselund Lutheran Church in Badger, MN.

Wally attended and graduated from the Badger High School in 1961. After graduation, he worked for his uncle Elmer Nelson on his mink farm in Badger. Wally was then drafted into the Army and honorably discharged in July of 1965. When he returned home, he again worked for his uncle Elmer and purchased the mink farm in Fosston, MN.

In 1966, Wally married Barbara Grooms, and to their union two daughters were born, Dana and Jolene. Together Wally and Barb owned and operated the WB Hilltop Ranch. During this time, Wally belonged to the Fosston Horse Club, enjoyed racing chariots and gaming. In 1975, Wally was inducted into the Horseman’s Hall of Fame at the Crookston Winter Shows.

On December 18, 1982, Wally married Peggy Ball. The couple lived on a farm near Fosston, where they had two sons, Ben, and Brady. In 1993, Wally and Peggy moved to Clearbrook, MN and purchased Wally’s Processing. Wally taught Ben and Brady the “tricks of the trade” at the locker plant and on the family farm with horses and cattle.

Wally had a lifelong love for cattle and horses. He enjoyed trading with others throughout the counties of Northern, MN. He loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed watching them compete on their horse at Team Ropings and Rodeos.

Wally passed away on Friday, April 9, 2021 at his home in Clearbrook, MN.

Wally is survived by his children; Dana (Keith) Wojceichowski of Greenbush, MN, Jolene Nelson of Billings, MT, Ben (Jill) Nelson of Clearbrook, MN and Brady (Amanda) Nelson of Clearbrook, MN; grandchildren Kally, Tylor (Brianna) and Liam Wojceichowski, Isaiah Lande, Paxton Gauger, Molly, Maddy and Gus Nelson, Talia, Harvey and Elloise Nelson; siblings Tom Nelson of Fosston, MN, Susan (Mark) Nohner of McIntosh, MN, Peter (Mona) Nelson of Fosston; father-in-law, Robert Ball of Fosston, MN; special family friend Vernon (Martha) Haaby, Roseau MN; many cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Wally was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Nelson, parents William and Mildred Nelson, brother Forrest Nelson, mother-in-law, Lois Ball, and sister-in-law Jodi Nelson.