Robert Nelson

Robert “Bob” Alexander Nelson, 90, born in Fergus Falls, MN on March 17, 1921, died peacefully on March 20, 2011 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He lived fully his 90 years as a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Bob grew up on a family farm in Dane Prairie Township, where his involvement in Swan Lake Church was a cornerstone for his life. It was here that his deep faith in God and love of music was born. Bob played the violin for 40 years, and sang in church choirs for 70 years. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Agricultural High School in Crookston, MN, and enlisted in the Navy in 1942. His love of music earned him a commendation from the chaplain for leading hymns during the Protestant services. He also kept a violin on board his ship, the USS St. Louis. Bob was trained to operate an optical range finder – this was where his fascination with ‘how things worked’ prepared him for a career. After the war ended, Bob returned to Fergus Falls where he worked as a skilled jeweler at Welanders Jewelry store, and was in choirs and the orchestra. Due to his training and skills with the optical range finders, Bob began a career in microscope repair, where he was accredited by Bausch & Lomb. He was also a watchmaker, and received the Watchmaker of the Year award from the Minnesota Watchmakers Association, served as President of the American Watchmakers Institute, and earned the highest honor available (the title of Fellow) from the American Watchmakers Institute. Despite his professional success, the heart of his full life was his family. First, his beloved wife, Corinne, who grew up on a neighboring Dane Prairie farm – they were married May 20, 1945 at Bethlehem Church in Fergus Falls, and lived in love for 62 years. Corinne and Bob’s three sons – Bruce, Mark, and Stuart – preceded Bob in death. His sister, Ingvarda Hanson; daughter, Marcia Holt; and grandchildren – Anna (Jared) Rendell, Christopher (Courtney) Ferguson, and Amy Ferguson – will miss him dearly until we meet again in Heaven.  There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday at Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2011, at Swan Lake Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls with Pastor Stan Satre officiating. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service at Swan Lake Lutheran Church. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of local arrangements.