Stanley Elroy Nelson

Stanley Elroy Nelson was born August 26, 1947, to Harold and Margaret (Oman) Nelson in Dawson, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd and graduated from Dawson High School in 1965. Shortly after, Stanley enlisted in the United States Navy and served as an electrician on board the USS Waller during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Stanley obtained an associate degree in electrical technology from Southwest Minnesota State University. Stanley married Carolyn Just on June 27, 1970, at Zion Lutheran Church, Tyro Township, after being set up on a blind date by a mutual friend, though the two had known each other from their high school days and rode the bus together. The couple had five children: Laralyn, Joseph, Melanie, Kristalyn, and Isaac, and made their home together on a farm south of Dawson.

Stanley held a variety of jobs, most notably as a rural mail carrier, where he made some dear friends, and a farmer. The couple eventually moved into town and were members of Dawson Covenant Church. Always tinkering and keeping busy, Stanley could be found remodeling homes, racing in Canby, snowmobiling, motorcycling, playing basketball with neighbors, but one could almost always find him on the golf course. Even while on vacation, Stanley always mentioned to find a golf course and loved spending time with his golfing buddies, who will miss him immensely. In recent years, Carolyn and Stanley moved to Hendricks, MN following his aneurysm to be closer to medical and family support.

On Monday, January 29th, 2024, Stanley died at the Clarkfield Care Center at the age of 76. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret Nelson; brother, Donald; sister, Linda; sister-in-law, Pat; niece, Mindi; parents-in-law, Urban and Mildred Just, brother-in-law, Kenny Just, and honorary family member Wallace Burr.

Stanley is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn; children, Laralyn (Duane), Joseph, Melanie (Jamie), Kristalyn, and Isaac; grandchildren, Ashley (Mike), Haley (significant other Cody), and Aaron; great-granddaughter, Gracelynn; grandpups, Charlie, Tucker, Freya, Thor, Duke, and Brahm; great-grandpup, Lilly, and several nieces, nephews, friends, and golfing buddies.

A private family graveside service will be held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Tyro Township. Stanley’s life will be remembered as part of the Sunday church service at Dawson Covenant Church on February 25, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or the Dawson Covenant Church Missions Fund. 

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