The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Obituaries

Related Photos

Guest Book

January 22, 2013

Dr. Kenneth M. Nelson

—   Memorial Services for Dr. Kenneth M. Nelson, age 90 of Windom, were 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 5, 2013, at the American Lutheran Church in Windom, MN, with Pastor Tim Wrenn and Pastor Stephen Norby officiating.  Burial with full military honors was in Lakeview Cemetery

in Windom, MN.     Visitation was Saturday, January 5, 2013, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the American Lutheran Church in Windom.    

 Dr. Kenneth M. Nelson passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Society  Sogge Memorial in Windom.   

 Memorials preferred to American Lutheran Church and/or Windom Senior Dining.

  Arrangements are under the care of LaCanne Family Funeral Service in Windom.

 Condolences can be sent online to www.lacannefuneral home.com.

 Kenneth M. Nelson was born on March 24, 1922, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Fred and Tina (Schleusner) Nelson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and attended school in Mankato, graduating in 1940.  During his youth, Ken attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

  While in high school, he joined the National Guard:  his unit was the first to be mobilized in 1941 in preparation for World War II.  He later transferred to the Air Force and flew 25 combat missions over Germany in a B-24.  His group was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for their bravery over the oil refinery areas of Occupied Germany.

  Ken was united in marriage to Helen F. Wilkinson in Laredo, Texas, in 1944.  After the War, they returned to Minneapolis where he enrolled in the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1947, graduating in 1951.  He worked in a dental clinic in Madison, Minnesota, for two years before starting his practice in Windom on July 1, 1953.  

  He was active in his profession as President of the Southern District Dental Society, President of the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry, and a life-long member of the MDA and ADA.

  Ken was active in the Windom community serving on the board of the First National Bank, Director and Chair of the Board of Education for 12 years, the Hospital Board, and the American Lutheran Church.  He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Masonic Lodge No. 97, Windom County Club, Windom Area Shrine Club, and was a life member of the American Legion Post 206.  

 Before Helen's death in 2008, they enjoyed traveling, spending many winters in Arizona and summers at their cabin at Fish Lake.

   He is survived by a daughter and two sons; Nancy Michalski and Dr. Gary Nelson of Windom; Steven (Mindy) Nelson of New York City; nine grandchildren; Jenni (Jon) Potter, Chris, Tonia (Greg) Moore, Tara, Eric, Liz (Drew) Blom, Sarah, Tom and Tim; seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a sister Deloris Guenther of Mankato, MN; and sister-in-law, Jean Hoover of Madison, MN.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Obituaries
  • Rosamond D. (Crooker) Staats Elliott

    Rosamond D. (Crooker) Staats Elliott 96, of New  Port Richey, Florida, passed away at Madison Pointe Nursing Center in Newport Richey on May 15.

    June 18, 2013

  • Wayne Geary 061913-O.jpg Wayne Emery Geary

    Wayne Emery Geary, 92, of Mankato, passed away Thursday morning June 13, 2013, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

    June 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Jody Harman 061913-O.jpg Jody Lynne Harman

    Jody Lynne Harman, age 51, of rural St. Peter, died Monday, June 17, 2013, at River's Edge Hospital, St. Peter.

    June 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Bruce Becker 061913-O.jpg Bruce R. Becker

    Bruce R. Becker, 66, of Belle Plaine, MN, passed away at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, MN, on June 14, 2013.

    June 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Westley Rethwill O 061913.jpg Dr. Wesley H. Rethwill

    Dr. Wesley H. Rethwill, age 78 of Waseca died on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

    June 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Donald Matting - .jpg Donald Arthur Matting

    Donald Arthur Matting, 88 years old, was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, February 13, 2013.

    June 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Ella Call Quam

    Ella Call Quam, age 95, of Titusville Florida and formerly of Elysian, died peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at her home in Titusville surrounded by her family.

    June 17, 2013

  • Mae Schwartz 061813-O.jpg Mae Doreen Frost Schwartz

    Mae Doreen Frost Schwartz, age 100, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at her home in Savannah, Georgia.

    June 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • Leonard Pierson 061713-o.jpg Leonard Pierson

    Leonard Pierson, age 86 of Mankato, died peacefully, Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Keystone Community.

    June 16, 2013 1 Photo

  • Lori Hiller 061613-o.jpg Lori Marie Hiller

    LORI MARIE HILLER, age 47 of Waterville, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato with family by her side.

    June 15, 2013 1 Photo