Eugene "Gene" Nelson

Eugene “Gene” Nelson, 80, passed away May 10, 2023, at his home in Hawley, MN.

Eugene Dennis Nelson was born February 8, 1943 in Pelican Rapids, MN to Edwin and Violet (Gunderson) Nelson.  He attended District 3 country school through 8^th grade and graduated from Hawley High School in 1961.  In 1964 he was drafted into the United States Army and served 18 months in Vietnam.  He was honorably discharged in September 1966.  Gene was united in marriage on August 30, 1969 to Faye Olson and they made their home in Moorhead, MN.  They were blessed with two daughters, Michele and Denise. 

Gene’s first job was working for Burns Motors and he later worked for Silverline, Twin City Construction and Larry Binford Construction.  Gene was skilled in construction and cement finishing and even after he retired at the age of 65 he would still be called on to provide his expertise. 

In his spare time, Gene loved fishing, snowmobiling and deer hunting with his brothers and nephews on the family homestead.  He collected die cast cars and enjoyed going to auctions, bringing home endless “boxes of merchandise” and “treasures.” His Sunday drives were always accompanied by “Polka Party” on the radio and he enjoyed tinkering in the garage.  He was a dedicated member of the MN Deer Hunter’s Association and the Moorhead VFW.

Gene will be deeply missed by his wife, Faye; his daughters, Michele Nelson and Denise Nelson; his sister, Janice (Jerome Mikkelson) Vigesaa; his grandchildren, Nathan Nelson, Leandra Nelson and Isabella Nelson and great-grandson Greyson Nelson.  He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Eugene, and brothers, Henry “Hank”, Marlyn and Arvid. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 P.M., at Wright Funeral Home in Hawley, MN.  The funeral service will be Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 1:00 P.M., at Rollag Lutheran Church, rural Hawley.  Interment will be at Lake Ida Cemetery.