Dean M. Nelson

Dean M. Nelson, 83, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2017, in Eventide of Fargo. Dean was born in Moorhead June 4, 1934, to Melvin and Olga Grimley Nelson. He grew up on the family farm near Comstock, MN, where he graduated from high school. Following high school, he farmed and attended NDSU in the winter quarters. He was active in the ROTC and then the North Dakota Air National Guard. Dean married Phyllis “Chick” Briggs on September 26, 1959. Together they made their home in Moorhead and started a family. Dean worked with Erickson Construction. He later joined the Moorhead Fire Department, retiring as Assistant Chief after 31 years of service. Over the years, he was a Federal Crop Insurance Adjuster and was also an insurance agent with Mutual Service Insurance and Strand & Marcy. Dean stayed busy with his family, work, and farming. Farming was a lifelong passion. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially his annual fishing trips with family and friends. Dean was proud of his family and loved spending time with them. He was a member of the Comstock Wildlife Club, F-M Walleyes, and was an active member of The Lutheran Church of Christ the King.

Dean is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Gary Linda Nelson, Brad Janine Nelson, Sue Nelson, Don Nelson; grandchildren, Kristie Chris Hondl, Blaine Ashley Nelson, Kari Nelson; great-grandchildren, Briar Nelson, Chloe Hondl; sister, Wanda Poehls; brothers-in-law, Bill Mary Briggs, Curt Caroline Briggs; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in law, Harold and Ruby Briggs; and brothers-in-law, Dan Evert and Jerome Poehls.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 5, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral will be Thursday, July 6, at 11:00 a.m., in The Lutheran Church of Christ the King, Moorhead, MN.

Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.