Marvin Nelson

Pastor Marvin (Marv) Verno Nelson died Monday, December 2nd at his home in Pine City. He was 95 years old. Marv was born on a farm in Martin County, Minnesota about 15 miles SE of Fairmont, MN. on August 5, 1918 to Nettie (Logan) and John Wallace Nelson. When he was 5 years old the family moved to Cumberland, Wisconsin where the next year he started school in a small country school. The following year the family moved back to Minnesota and farmed near East Chain where he grew up and received the rest of his formal education. The family later moved to a farm near Wells, MN. where he met and married Lucinda Long in 1941. Marv was employed in road construction until he entered the United States Army Air Force in August of 1942. He spent the most of his time in the service with the 8th Air Force stationed in the European Theatre of operation and was discharged on Oct. 1945, after the war in Japan had ended. While in the service he received six battle stars and a distinguished service badge. After receiving his discharge he and Lucinda settled on the West Coast, living for a time in Kalispell, Montana, Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington and San Jose, California. While at Portland, Ore. He attended Multnomah Bible College graduating in 1951. During his senior year he was sent out by the college to supply pulpits in the area and during that time he saw a need in small churches that couldn’t support a full time Pastor. He decided that to be his calling, earning his living at secular jobs. Besides his regular occupation, he served as a part time minister at several locations in Oregon, Washington, California, Wisconsin and Minnesota….in a “Tent Maker’s Ministry” serving in some of the small churches that could not support a pastor. During his ministry he officiated in many weddings. Many of whom he has kept in contact with throughout the years.. He also conducted many funerals. Only God knows how many came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through his ministry. Today he has already met them. While living in Kalispell, Montana, son Bruce was added to the family and few years later in Portland, Oregon, daughter Bette was born. For 25 years he worked for Container Corp of America as a Printing Pressman in three locations….Portland, San Jose, & St. Paul, Minn. In 1960, he and his family moved back from California to Pine City, Minnesota where they farmed for awhile and later became branch manager for Strout Realty. He was part of this business for 15 years. The Pine County License Center was also part of this business. Lucinda passed away in July of 1991 having been married to Marv for 50 years. Marv later married Annabelle Claude and has spent recent years living in Wells, Minnesota in the summer and Mesa Arizona in the winter for several years. After Annabelles recent death, Marv moved back to be near his family in Pine City, Minnesota. Marvin’s favorite pastimes were fishing, spending time in his work shop, gardening, and being with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Nettie and Wallace Nelson, his first wife Lucinda, his second wife Annabelle, daughter Bette, brother Elvon, grandson Justin, mother and father-in-law Pearl and Joe Long, brothers-in-law Erwin Long, Frank Long, and Dewayne Long. Sisters-in-law Grace Long and Patsy Long., step-sons Larry and Danny Claude. He is survived by his son Bruce and wife Donna, grandchildren Jason Sauter, Amanda & Abby Root, Bruce Nelson Jr. and Sheila Nelson, sister-in-law Lorraine Nelson of Spokane, Washington, Brothers-in-law Jack Long and his wife Colleen of Pine City, Dale Long and his wife Laverne of Soderville, MN., Dennis Long and his wife Loie of Pine City, Sisters-in-law Geraldine Bolton and her husband Jack of Florida, Delores and her husband Wally Jewell of Pine City, Mildred Long of Cambridge, Nola and her husband Bob Berg of Chanhassen, step-daughters in law Sharon Claude and Gayle Claude, step-son Kenneth Claude and his wife Cheri, 5 great grandchildren Preston, Janesya, Jana, McCoy, McCall & Samantha, step-grandchildren Bob (Beth) Claude, Angela (Jason) Sipple, Tara (Ryan) Viaene, Barbara (Matt) Crozier, Chuck (Julie) Claude, Lori (Bill) Dietrich & Jeremiah Claude, and six step-great grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 6th at Pine City Evangelical Free Church Lighthouse in Pine City with Pastor Tom Sahlstrom & Pastor Bruce Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Swanson Funeral Chapel. A spring interment will be held in Birchwood Cemetery, Pine City. Arrangements are with the Swanson Funeral Chapel of Pine City. www.funeralandcremationservice.com