Kenneth Richard Nelson

Kenneth R. Nelson, Age 87, of Bay Lake and Edina, died Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center due to Covid-19. Kenneth was born on June 2, 1933 to Gayle (Richardson) Nelson and Oscar F. Nelson in Dodgeville, WI.  He had 2 brothers and 2 sisters and enjoyed growing up in a small town. Kenneth graduated from Macalester College with a BS degree in Business.  He began his career as a buyer at Dayton's and continued with several business endeavors over 55 years, including owning The Frances Shoppe and J. Taskers in Brainard, MN.  Ken was an avid volunteer, actively involved in several service organizations including; the YMCA, Masons, Jaycees, Lions and Unlimited Learning as well as involved in committee work at church. Boating, fishing, golfing and camping were some of the ways Ken spent his free time.  Also, he and Janet enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and several other destinations.  He especially loved spending time with family and friends. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Janet J. Nelson, of 64 years.  They met on orientation day at Macalester College and spent nearly 70 years creating their life together.   He is survived also by their three children: Catherine Nelson-Messer, (Robert); Steven Nelson, (Elizabeth); and Margaret Tollefson, (Stephen); nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and one sister, Dorothy Lundberg. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

A memorial gathering is tentatively planned for the summer of 2021.  Memorials may be made in name to the Macalester Fund at www.macalester.edu , click on Support Mac.  To leave a message of condolence please go to www.koopfuneralhome.com .