Norman Walter Nelson

Norman Walter Nelson was born October 4, 1937, in St. Paul, MN.  He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1955, and the University of Minnesota in 1960, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He met the love of his life, Bozenka, on a blind date and they were married August 31, 1962. He worked for Honeywell for many years.  Blessed with the gift of gab, the love of knowledge and a sense of humor, Norm brightened the lives of numerous people.  He was a generous soul and, until his health issues prevented him from continuing, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and shared his knowledge by tutoring adults and helping them to achieve their GEDs. Many of his students kept in contact with him and he was proud of all of them.  He volunteered for as many medical studies as would have him, as he loved to think he was helping others.

In his youth, he enjoyed spending time on the family farm in Bixby, MN.  He also worked in the canning factory in Owatonna.  Throughout college he served in the ROTC.  Following college, he intended to pursue a career in the Air Force, and although he received his orders, he was ultimately prevented from active service due to not passing a physical.  He was able to become a member of the American Legion and was happy to contribute that way.

Norm and Bozenka were married almost 40 years.  After nursing her through her illness and subsequent passing, Norm reinvented himself.  He was open to trying new things, including adding skydiving to his list of accomplishments.  He traveled with his brothers and sister to visit relatives around the country, and took nearly every trip offered by the Golden Valley Seniors.  Despite health issues later in life he remained active until his death, even “starring” in a PBS documentary regarding seniors dealing with chronic diseases.

Although Norm had no biological children, he “adopted” his nieces and nephews and their families.  He supported them in their endeavors whenever possible, from buying Girl Scout cookies, traveling to gymnastics meets and graduations, to providing educational assistance.  An adept conversationalist, he delighted in telling stories, jokes, and fun facts, and loved to laugh.

Norm was preceded in death by wife Bozenka, parents Elizabeth and Walter Nelson, sisters Sarah Nelson and Marion Daley, and nephew Roger Daley.  He is survived by siblings Shirley (Chuck) Jackson,  Rich (Corinne) Nelson, Stan (Darlene) Nelson, and Carl (Bonnie) Feary. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Lori (Bill) Rhinehart, Melanie Daley, Linda (Mike) Molitor, Nelson (Esther) Daley, Dena (Rod) Jackson), Linda (Scott) Rolfes, Chrisy (Dave) Raiter, Wade (Andrea) Nelson, Brad (Kandi Jo) Nelson, CT Feary, Jake (Grace) Feary, many grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Humane Society are preferred.

The funeral will be 10:30 am, Fri., April 28, at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave S., Mpls.  Visitation will be 5-8 pm, Thurs., April 27, at Gearty-Delmore St. Louis Park Chapel, 3960 Wooddale Ave S., St. Louis Park, and 9:30-10:30 at Lakewood prior to funeral.