Howard G. Nelson

Howard G. Nelson, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully at home, under the care of Hospice, surrounded by family on June 5, 2018 at the age of 90.

Howard was born and raised in Dilworth, MN, the third of five children born to Gustaf and Clara (Christianson) Nelson.  He graduated from Dilworth High School in 1946, enlisted and served in the Army, and was honorably discharged in 1948. After serving his country, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Lorita Schreiner. Together “Gus and Babe” were blessed with six children.  Throughout his life, family was always his highest priority.

He started his railroading career with the Northern Pacific in 1948 as a switchman, advancing to yardmaster in 1974, and retiring in 1990.

Howard was a lifelong outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, camping, gardening, and golfing.  His family is left with many fond memories of outdoor adventures that they shared together. He felt closest to God when he was in nature.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 69 years, Lorita; children, Karen (Bill) Doris, Linda (Steven) Schmidt, Maureen Nelson (David Novotny), Howard Michael (Cher) Nelson, Rita (Philip) Cowie and Barbara (Mark) Askegaard; grandchildren, Kevin (Kady) Nelson, Keith Nelson, Colin Doris, Claire Askegaard, Beth (Tony) McConnon, and Britta and Drew Cowie; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Harper, and Mya Nelson; sister, Eileen Larsen; sisters-in-law, Joyce Nelson and Phylis Nelson, and many more relatives.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gordon and Donald and sister, Kathleen.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 11, 2018 from 2:00-3:00 pm with a funeral service following at 3:00 pm at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

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

Memorials preferred to the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer or Hospice of the Red River Valley.