Willard Albin Nelson

Mr. Willard Nelson, formerly of Trade Lake, Wisconsin, Brooklyn Park, and Pine City; died Monday (11/21/11) at the Gracepointe Crossing Gables East in Cambridge, MN at the age of 88 years. He was born October 20, 1923 to Albin and Anna Nelson in Trade Lake, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of five children. His early years were spent on the family farm. He attended Grantsburg High School, finishing the 10th grade. From there he went to vocational school in Superior, Wisconsin, where he studied to be an auto mechanic and aircraft sheet metal worker. In May of 1943 he entered the Army. After his basic training he served in the Army Air Force as an automotive equipment mechanic. His tour of duty during WWII took him to the Philippines, where he was when the war ended. He received an honorable discharge February 27, 1946. After his service of duty he returned to the states. In 1952 he met his future wife Inez Snobeck. After a short courtship they were married on June 13, 1953. They were married almost 58 years, having five children together. They lived most of their life in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Willard worked as a machinist to support his family. He loved his work, setting up the machine and running parts. He continued to work well into his seventies. He enjoyed growing a small garden where ever he lived, and tomatoes were always a must. He was generous with his time and talents. Whether it was giving a ride to someone or fixing a car. Willard also had a strong faith in God. His desire was to share his faith with all he came in contact with. He loved reading the scriptures and spending time in prayer. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Willard is survived by his daughters: Mary (Randy) Hansen of Pine city, Terri (Bill) Sampson of St. Michael; his sons: John (Debbie) Nelson of New Brighton, James (Wendy) Nelson of North Minneapolis, Rodney (Roxanne) Nelson of Brooklyn Park, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Brother Curtis Nelson of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and his sister Arlene Larson of Benton, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his wife Inez (Snobeck) Nelson, his parents, one brother and a sister. A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 7th at New Life Community Church, 6900 West Fish Lake Road, Maple Grove, Minnesota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Glen Haven Cemetery in Crystal, Minnesota. Funeral arrangements for Willard Nelson were entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City; Swanson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com