George Nelson

george nelson

George D. Nelson Sr., 90, Fargo passed away Wednesday, May 11 at Sanford Health, Fargo.

George was born on February 18, 1921 to Ernest and Johanna (Nybo) Nelson in Fargo, North Dakota. George grew up and attended school in Fargo, graduating from Fargo Central High School in 1939. After graduation, George went on to graduate from North Dakota State University with a degree in Architecture. George attended graduate school at Michigan State while waiting for his military orders. George was in the Army Air Force, where he served as a pilot and instructor at Fort Worth in Texas during WWII. After WWII was over, George moved back to Fargo where he joined his father in the Nelson Construction Company. In 1946, George married Julie Kunze at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church. Julie passed away on July 28, 1996. George continued his career in the military reserves, retiring as a Major.

George was the first president of the Fargo Home Builders Association. He belonged to First Lutheran Church in Fargo for over 50 years. He enjoyed working on many church projects including renovating the fellowship hall kitchen. He loved cats and dogs and often took in stray animals. He enjoyed playing bridge in Trollwood with his many friends. George enjoyed taking many trips with his wife Julie, including his favorite trip to South Africa where he enjoyed taking an Animal Safari. He loved to read mystery novels, reading them by the box full. He liked Turner Classic Movies, onion soup, and Perkins restaurants. When he was in college, George produced masterful watercolor paintings. He continued to enjoy Art throughout his life. His favorite opera was "Carmen", which he attended at the Ordway in St. Paul, and to the dismay of others in the audience, he would hum along to.

He is survived by his children; Susan Lund, Minneapolis MN, George (Kathy) Jr., Fargo ND, Barbara (Paul) Carlton, Eagan MN, and Lawrence (Caterina), Boston MA, siblings; Jean Mikkelsen, West Fargo ND, and Doris McMahon, Bismarck ND, grandchildren; George III, Chris, Craig, Rendina, and Nathan, and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Julie.

Memorials preferred to the Fargo/Moorhead Humane Society, 1201 28th Ave N, Fargo ND 58102, and/or Childrens Services, 3000 South University Dr, Fargo ND 58103.

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  1. Minneapolis MN
    I will miss sending little comments to your dad when you were on your way to visit him. But i know he is in the Spirit World and enjoying his self.

  2. Fargo ND
    Our sympathy and prayers to the Nelson family. George was a special friend in the construction business. I always enjoyed visiting with him. We will long remember the time together with he and Julie at the NAHB convention in LasVegas many years ago.

  3. fargo ndGeorge was a wonderful man. he was a good friend to my dear grandmother (viola goodwin rip 2009). she always said her and her friends were called “george’s girls”. he will be missed greatly by all those who knew him. i hope the family finds comfort in this time.
    mandi steele (goodwin)


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