Ralph Nelson Jr.

Ralph Nelson Jr., 82, was born on June 17, 1935, and passed away peacefully on October 21, 2017. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and had enjoyed a full, active life despite the disease. He wore his age as a badge of achievement; proud to live his life on his own terms, not allowing cancer to dictate his activity. Ralph was active doing the things he loved: yard work, farming, gardening, working on his tractors and spending time with his family until the very end. At the end, his body was weak, but his spirit was strong and his sense of humor never faltered.
He was preceded in death by both parents, Ralph and Emma Omberg Nelson; sisters, Barbara Nelson, Janet Nelson and Delores Nelson Marvig; son, Kevin Nelson; and wife, Ellen Anderson Nelson. He is survived by his sons, Gregory Nelson and Jonathan Lisa Nelson of Hawley, MN; his daughter, Melane David Lee of Hawley; brothers, Vernon Nelson and Robert Twyla Nelson of Hawley; one sister, Muriel Grefsrud of Hawley; 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, October 24, 2017, at 11:00 A.M., at Wright Funeral Home in Hawley. Friends and family may gather together for one hour before the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Hegland Cemetery in rural Hawley.