Lyle Roland Nelson

Lyle Roland Nelson, 89; of San Tan Valley, Arizona, formerly of Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11:06 a.m. Born June 3, 1935, to Freeman and Florence Nelson, Lyle was the youngest of five siblings. Despite a challenging childhood marked by polio, he overcame the illness and lived his life with unwavering determination and resilience.

Lyle attended school in Sunrise and graduated from North Branch High School in 1953. He then began his first job at Ellis Johnson’s Phillips 66 in North Branch, where he serviced vehicles. His passion for media led him to Brown Institute's broadcasting school in 1954. He embarked on a successful radio career in 1955 and became one of the first broadcasters working at WCMP radio in Pine City. He also was a TV anchor person in Duluth and in Austin, Minnesota.

In 1959, Lyle married Judy Worden and together they built a loving family, welcoming four children; Kelly, Kyle, Kaylene and Kindra. His family was his greatest source of pride and joy. 

Lyle delighted in sharing stories about the many people he met throughout his broadcasting journey, earning a special place in the hearts of many, even gaining his own ‘Looney for Lyle’ fan club. 

He was an avid Elvis Presley fan and devoted Minnesota Vikings fan.

He also had a passion for clocks. If you weren’t sure where to find him, your best bet would be to check his work desk. Chances are he’d be sitting there with his magnifier glasses on, a broken watch in hand, and surrounded by a wall of clocks ticking away. 

A devoted member of the Masonic Lodge for over 57 years Lyle took great pride in his association. Lyle is currently a member of Jasper Masonic lodge in Rush City. 

Lyle was diagnosed with cancer six years ago, and he fought bravely until the end. He spent every day of his life embodying his mantra that "there are a lot of other people out there worse off than I am, no reason to complain."

Lyle is survived by his wife of 65 years Judith Nelson; children, Kelly (TR) Powers of Sun City Center, FL, Kyle Nelson of San Tan Valley, AZ, Kaylene (Michael) Wood of Scottsdale, AZ and Kindra Nelson of Florence, AZ; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister Joanne Sybrant of Rush City; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Preceding Lyle in death are his parents Freeman and Florence Nelson; brother Dwayne Nelson; sisters Dolores “Sis” (Maurie) Mold and Janet (Wesley) Nelson.

Lyle will be deeply missed by all who knew him and will be remembered for his enduring strength, unwavering optimism and the many lives he touched!

Rev. Nathan Baker-Trinity will officiate funeral services: 11 AM Thursday (8/29) at First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City with a time of visitation and reviewal 4-8 PM Wednesday (8/28) at the Olson Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the funeral at church.  A Masonic service (open to the public) is planned for 8:00 PM Wednesday evening at the funeral chapel. Lunch will follow the funeral service with burial at Sunrise Cemetery in Sunrise, MN at 2 PM 

Funeral arrangements for Lyle Nelson are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. 

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com