August L. Nelson Jr.

August L. Nelson, age 83, of Lake Park, Minnesota, passed away on April 13, 2005, at his home on Cormorant Lake with his family surrounding him with song and prayer. August was born October 29, 1921, on the Nelson family farm in rural Lake Park, to August and Mabel H. Klenck Nelson. He grew up there and graduated from Lake Park High School in 1939. After high school, he attended the University of Minnesota, returning home to the farm when WWII began. On March 26, 1944, August was united in marriage to Doris Mae G. Larson at Eksjo Lutheran Church. The couple started their family of six children while farming on the Nelson homestead in Becker County. Farming was the main stay for the family. August was very proud of the family farm and spent endless hours teaching the kids work ethics, values, and team playing. He farmed for 28 years and always had a desire to work with farm animals. In his early farming years, August was in dairy production and later changed to raising feeder cattle. He spent endless hours and resources creating an automated feeding system and equipment for his cattle. August installed a sense of responsibility and entrepreneurship in his kids by allowing them to raise chickens, rabbits, and farming small parcels of land to grow squash, sweet corn, and other vegetables. The Nelson kids would peddle their goods to earn spending money for their special wish items. The farm life afforded August the opportunity to instill in his kids his passion for the outdoors that included camping, hunting, and fishing. August sold the farm in 1968 and began working for Harvey Nelson Road Construction. While there he worked as an accountant, job estimator, project supervisor, and enjoyed operating heavy equipment. August worked full time until he was in his mid-seventies. During his retirement, he worked with his son Bob building warehouses, roads, and parking lots. August's involvement in the church was a legacy handed down from his grandfather who was a founding member of Eksjo Lutheran Church. August, his father, and his grandfather were involved with the building of Eksjo Church. August's service to the church included: Chairman of the Congregation, pipe organ committee, treasurer, cemetery caretaker, Sunday school teacher, choir and quartet member. His love for singing in the church started at the age nine and continued throughout his life. August was involved in various boards and activities. He was Lake Park Postmaster, school board member for 15 years, financial clerk for the school district, member of the Masonic Lodge, and the Elks.August's love for family and his love of life emulated through in his continuous smile. This man of strength but yet gentle presence touched the lives of many. He had a wonderful sense of humor, positive demeanor, and found nothing insurmountable. One could not help but admire his kind and caring ways, his optimistic attitude, and great sense of adventure. August enjoyed life to the fullest and he shared his enthusiasm of hunting, fishing, gardening, and travels with friends and family. On May 20, 2003, his wife of 59 years passed away. He tenderly cared for Dorie during her two-year illness. In June 2004, August married Leona "Bobbi" Goetz and their two families became one. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorie, his parents, his brother John Henry, and sister Dorothy Haden Krebs. He is survived by his wife; Leona "Bobbi" Nelson; one brother, Phillip W. Nelson, Mesquite, NV; his children; Karen M. Delta Daggett, Frazee MN; August L. Marlyce Nelson III, Buffalo, MN; Susan R. David Bertelson, Brookings, SD; Ronald L. Karen Nelson, Hamilton, Ohio; Robert L. Patty Nelson, Lake Park, MN; Janee M. Nick Dehler, Lake Park, MN; and step-children; Cynthia Mark Vierkant, Detroit Lakes, MN; Ginger Dr. Peter Rullan, San Diego, CA; Donald Joyce Goetz, Detroit Lakes, MN; Patti Aurecchione, Mission Viejo, CA; 20 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.