Ronald Leroy Nelson

Ronald Leroy Nelson, 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Shorewood Assisted Living under the care of Seasons Hospice after a battle with cancer. A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Bethlehem/West Elbow Lake Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, with Visitation starting at 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment at Union Cemetery, Elbow Lake.

 Born on November 6, 1944, in Fergus Falls, MN, Ron was the son of Waldo and Ann (Reuss) Nelson. He grew up in rural Elbow Lake and graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1962. Following high school, Ron served in the Army Reserves from 1962 to 1965 before earning a Business Degree from St. Cloud State College in 1968.

On September 10, 1966, Ron married Carolyn Evavold at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Elbow Lake. They lived in St. Cloud and then the Twin Cities area, where he worked for the International Harvester Company in St. Paul and the International Paper Company in Minneapolis.

In 1975, the couple returned to their roots, and Ron began his farming career on the family farm, where they raised their two daughters. They were members of Bethlehem/West Elbow Lake Lutheran Church, where Ron served on the church council for several years. After retiring from farming in 2003, Ron and Carolyn moved to Rochester, MN, and he worked as an over-the-road truck driver until his retirement in 2014.

Ron was a dedicated farmer with a fondness for classic country music and Case IH tractors. In his free time, he enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves. Ron’s family was his pride and joy, and those close to him were always touched by his compliments and encouraging words. He often treated himself and his family to meals at his favorite restaurants. Ron enjoyed attending his grandsons’ activities, supporting them from the stands and sharing in their accomplishments.

Survivors include his daughters, Jill (Troy) Gibson of Byron, MN, and Angela (Cullen) Anderson of rural Lowry, MN; five grandchildren, Benjamin (fiancé Zoe de Boer), Zachary, and Joshua Gibson, Tate and Tavin Anderson; sister, Kay Nelson of Coon Rapids, MN; sisters-in-law, Audrey (Rodney) Pletan of Forest Lake, MN, and Beverly Evavold of Fergus Falls, MN; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Carolyn; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger Evavold, Donna Sonmor, and Gaylan (Mary) Evavold.

Ron will be remembered for his warm smile, his love of the land, and the joy he found in the simple pleasures of life. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.