Roger Conrad Nelson

On the morning of February 26, 2016, Roger Conrad Nelson passed away peacefully at the Walker Methodist Care Suites, Edina, MN, where he was a resident for the past couple of years. Roger was 88 years old. Roger was born September 8, 1927 at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents Conrad Ernest Nelson and Mildred Rosa Nelson. He is survived by his brother, Raleigh (Barbara) Nelson; his children Wendy (Mort) Yoakum, Penny (Dave) Willis, Brent (Shelli) Nelson and Brian (Laura) Nelson; his grandchildren, Vanessa Willis, Bethany Nelson and Connor Willis; and by his former wife, Truan L. Schonauer. Roger grew up near the Como Park/State Fairgrounds area in St. Paul and graduated from Murray High School on June 15, 1945. That same year he obtained the rank of Eagle Scout on September 10. Roger enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946, and served on the CGC Dexter for two years. He was honorably discharged in 1948. When he returned home, he continued his education at the University of Minnesota and obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering. Roger began his electrical engineering career at Commonwealth Electric. He went on to be employed with the Toni Company, which later changed to Gillette. He retired from the Gillette Company in the early spring of 1988. Roger was passionate about the great outdoors, enjoying as much time as he possibly could outside, and enjoyed his many summers at the cabin on Gull Lake he co-owned with his brother and Sister-in-Law. He was involved in YMCA Camps and was a Patroller for The National Ski Patrol at Welch Village and Buck Hill. He was a dedicated parishioner, was the Head Usher and volunteer for many years at the First United Methodist Church in Stillwater, MN. He enjoyed his many travels throughout the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Roger also enjoyed his time spent with his family, friends and neighbors. A Memorial Service will be held on March 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 813 W. Myrtle Street, Stillwater, MN. Visitation will one hour prior to the service and a luncheon will be served after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations and memorials be made to The YMCA and to the First United Methodist Church of Stillwater, MN.

Service Information

Visitation

Thursday, March 3 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

First United Methodist Church
813 West Myrtle Street
Stillwater MN 55082

Service

Thursday, March 3 2016
11:00 AM

First United Methodist Church
813 West Myrtle Street
Stillwater MN 55082