Gordon K. Nelson

gordon k. nelson
Gordon Kenneth Nelson, 87, passed away peacefully Wednesday March 28, 2018 at his residence in Austin, Minnesota surrounded by his family. Gordon was born April 12, 1930 in Wales, ND to Benhard Nelson and Hilda (Kuball) Nelson Romberg. He attended grade school in Rochester, MN and later graduated from high school in Inkster, ND. From there, Gordon proudly served in the US Army from 1948-1949 and later was recalled for the Korean War from 1950-1951. He married Reta McConnachie, his high school sweetheart on December 20, 1953. After the military, Gordon became a police officer for the Fargo Police Department and later a patrolman for the ND Highway Patrol. Gordon then worked many years at American Family Insurance and retired in 1994. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Gordon enjoyed traveling, hunting, camping, and spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Gordon is survived by his wife, Reta; children, Craig (Jane) Nelson of Minot, ND, Vickie (Rick) Wiedeman of Valley City, ND, David (Lauria) Nelson of Sumter, SC, Lori (Brent) Brehmer of Austin, MN; sister, Winnifred Pedersen of Seattle, WA; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and several nephews, nieces and cousins. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers; and 1 sister. Funeral service will take place 10:00 AM Monday, April 2, 2018 at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo and a visitation will take place 1 hour prior to services. Pastor Mary Jo Holtey will officiate. Burial will take place in Inkster, ND at a later date.

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  1. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have great memories of Gordie and his stories.
    Love Kathy & Steve Nelson

  2. Reta & Family,

    My sincerest condolences to you. I worked with Gordie at AmFam and enjoyed his company always. He would frequently announce at the end of the day “well, we fooled them another day”—referring to white shirts in Madison.

    Great Life–Great guy!

  3. Reta and family, both my husband,Dan, and I worked with Gordie for many years at American Family. I think we both agree that Gordie was one on the funniest people we have known. He had the best sense of humor. So glad you got to enjoy 24 years of retirement together. Our prayers for you at this time. GOd’s speed, Gordie.

  4. Dear Reta, Craig, Vickie, David and Lori: my deepest sympathies to you all. We shared so many things growing up in Jamestown: church, family get-togethers, picnics, World Book, Vickie and I share a birthday. You were a big part of my childhnood. Even after you moved to Minot, we still managed to get together every now and then. When I was in 5th and 6th grade, I served as a school crossing guard. At the end of the school year, I was presented with an official certificate acknowledging this service from the Highway Patrol. I was amazed and delighted to discover that I knew the officer who signed the certificate: it was Gordon! He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  5. Reta, Craig, Vickie, Dave, Lori and extended family… I am so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. When I first met Gordon, I thought he was the tallest person I ever met! There are so many great memories of times our families spent together–from making homemade ice cream in your apartment in Jamestown, to visiting your family in Minot, to the many visits your Dad made to our house when he was on the road with the Highway Patrol, and to recent opportunities to share lunches. His sense of humor was fabulous–I admit to being duped more than once! He will be missed and remembered fondly. My warmest love and condolences to all of you.

  6. Sending my love and prayers. A great man with a great family surrounding him. You will truly have an angel looking down on you.

  7. Reta and family – my sympathies on the loss of Gordie. Dad (Spanky) and I were just talking the other week about some of the fun camping trips we had with your family and Gordie with his paper swimming suit. 🙂 Gordie attempted teaching us how to water ski…with that special swimming suit and his life vest/big wide belt. We had a good laugh reminiscing. Our families were so lucky to have the relationship we had with each other…and one that lasted for decades. I remember vividly the day my mom told me the “Nelsons were moving to Fargo.” We lived in Moorhead at the time and I thought she was teasing, as she knew how excited I would be. Great memories and always a joke and a wink from Gordie. He will truly be missed. Please know you’re in our thoughts and prayers. Kristen


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