Erling B. Nelson

MASON CITY: Erling Nelson, 79, of Mason City, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at St. Marys hospital in Rochester, MN. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 16, 2009 at St James Lutheran church, 1148 4th St S.E., with Pastor Paul Nelson and Pastor Jeni Bohls officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 15, 2009, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Inurnment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Erling Nelson Memorial Fund. Erling B. Nelson was born March 26, 1929 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Ernest C. and Bernett C. (Nelson) Nelson. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1947 and also attended two years of Jr. College in Austin, MN. He was drafted into the Army in 1950 and served in the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1952. He was married to Dorothy L. Lyman on August 5, 1956 in Racine, MN. Erling began his railroad career in Albert Lea, MN with the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad and continued with the Chicago and North Western Railroad (C&NW) in 1965 when he and his family moved to Sioux City, IA. In 1970 the family moved to Mason City where Erling worked with the C&NW until his retirement in 1985. He belonged to the V.F.W., Elks Lodge, American Legion, and was also an active member of St. James Lutheran Church. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, golfing, bowling, and golfing. He loved traveling with his wife, especially to visit his family, whom were very important to him.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy L. Nelson of Mason City; childrenKimberly Pappas and husband Tony of Mason City; Jennifer Nelson of St. Paul, MN; Stuart Nelson and wife Kathy of Waterloo, IA; Rebecca Nelson of Minneapolis, MN; and grandchildrenSam, Matt, and Jake Nelson and Nicole, Olivia and Ben Pappas; brotherGary Nelson and wife Sharon of Hastings, MN; sisterCleo Christensen of Austin, MN; auntPearl Nelson of Conger, MN; many cousins, nieces, nephews and loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-lawBill Christensen, and several dear aunts and uncles.
A special thanks to those who spent many hours with Erling, providing support, care, and love to he and his family during the recent months.