Jack Nelson

Jack A. Nelson, 74, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, December 5, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born September 24, 1935, in Fergus Falls, the fifth son of Leslie S. and Gertrude L. (Norton) Nelson. He spent his entire life in the Fergus Falls area where he attended school, worked, and raised his family. In 1954 he entered the U.S. Army and served a tour of duty in Korea. He returned to Fergus Falls in 1957 and was employed at S & W Fruit Company and Service Food Market. That same year he began his employment at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center, where he worked for 39 years. In 1958 he married Juneal Mae Gerhardson. In addition to working at the FFRTC, he did a number of part-time jobs over the years that included working for Gambles, Anderson’s Tree Farm, Allen Rovang’s bee farm, and driving beet truck for Davidson Farms near Foxhome. After retiring in 1990 he remained busy working part-time at the Rothsay Truck Stop. It was at this time that he developed his love for carving. His woodcarvings included songbirds, waterfowl, and his favorite – Bald Eagles – that he often displayed with a patriotic theme that included the American and Minnesota flags. Jack also enjoyed hobby farming, gardening, and was literally a “jack-of-all-trades”. He especially enjoyed holiday gatherings and spending time with his four children, 11 grandchildren, and his great-granddaughter Jack was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Eagles Club, and a life member of the VFW in Fergus Falls. Survivors include his wife, Juneal Nelson of Fergus Falls; his four children: Julie Wallgren (special friend Vincent Klinnert) of Moorhead, Janice (Mike) Loxterkamp of Swanville, MN, Jeff (Brenda) Nelson of Williams, MN, and Jody (Brian) Hutchins of Fergus Falls; 11 grandchildren: Jeremy Ryan, Johnathon and Jessica Kennedy, Jason Larum, Joshua (fiance` Julianne Peterson) Larum, Corinne, Kristen, and Chelsea Anderson, Jace Nelson, and Jenna and Justine Hutchins; a great-granddaughter, Josephine Larum; two sisters: Lois (Robert) Oelslager of Mankato, MN, and Donna Lou (Robert) Hutchings of Barrett, MN; one brother, James (Eleanor) Nelson of Harvest, AL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers: Robert L. Nelson, Dwight M. Nelson, and Wesley G. Nelson; a son-in-law, Jim Wallgren; and an infant great-granddaughter, Taylor Rose Ryan. Jack will be remembered for his love of God, devotion to family, and pride in serving his country. Visitation:  4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a 6 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 2 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus  Falls Clergy:  Reverend Paul Nelson Interment:    Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Fergus Falls Military Participation by the Fergus Falls VFW and American Legion Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls  Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com