Kenneth L. Nelson

Kenneth L. “Ken” Nelson, age 77, of Alexandria, died on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Knute Nelson Care Center in Alexandria.

The visitation will take place from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, July 21, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, July 22, 2024, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Jerry Lanes officiating. Music is provided by Diane Alveshere. Full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, American Legion Post #87, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #936, Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #235, and the Marine Corps League Detachment #1409. A private family interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Osakis at a later date.

TO VIEW KEN'S LIVESTREAM SERVICE PLEASE CLICK HERE BEGINNING AT 2 P.M. ON MONDAY, JULY 22.

Kenneth Leslie was born on February 14, 1947, to Egner and Alice (Bergstrom) Nelson in Alexandria. He was baptized and confirmed at Christina Lake Lutheran Church in Evansville. While attending school, he worked for the Evansville Feed Mill and graduated from Evansville High School in 1965. Ken was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Fay Harrison on March 26, 1966, at the First Presbyterian Church in Osakis. Shortly afterward, he was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1966 to 1968 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and began working in carpentry under the mentorship of Bob Wheeland. Ken then started his own construction business and crew, which he operated until 1993. At that time, he transitioned his business to focus on septic designs, compliance systems, and excavating, continuing to work until his death, with a full docket of work upcoming for the year. Ken was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter #702, Pope County Flyers, and Antique Airplane Association. He enjoyed flying, fishing, and for 25 years, square dancing with Gwen. Together they also enjoyed bus tour trips and even embarked on a few cruises.

The home farm, where his dad was born in 1905, held a special place in Ken’s heart, a legacy now enjoyed by his nephews. He treasured the many Boundary Water Trips and camping adventures with family and friends. Annual deer hunting with family was always a highly anticipated event. Ken's lifestyle and career, spanning over 62 years, reflected his deep love of the outdoors. Overall, Ken cherished his time spent with family. He will be greatly missed. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Donald Nelson.

Ken is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gwendolyn; son, James Nelson of Breckenridge; daughter, Melissa Nelson of Alexandria; granddaughter, Mercedes Nelson of Wahpeton, North Dakota; sister, ViAnn (Michael) Sperry of Olympia, Washington; along with nieces and nephews, Laura (Willy) Wendler, Brian (Lori) Harrison, Lars Nelson, Eric Nelson, Lynn Nelson, Christian Nelson, Heather Trollinger, and Thomas Nelson.

Urnbearers are Lars Nelson, Eric Nelson, Christian Nelson, and Thomas Nelson.