Dennis Waldo Nelson Jr.

Dennis "Butch" Waldo Nelson Jr., 63, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on May 30, 2026, in Rochester as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident. He died alongside his longtime girlfriend, Kimberly Kay Musolf, 62.

Butch was born on October 21, 1962, in Rochester, MN, to parents Dennis Sr. and Dorothy (Broten) Nelson. After graduating from Mayo High School in 1981, he enrolled in the Rochester Area Vocational Technical Institute's well-respected Culinary Arts and Food Service program, where he graduated at the head of his class. Throughout his career, Butch shared his passion for cooking while working at nearly every restaurant in the Rochester area, most notably Michael's, Henry Wellington, First Class, along with all Kahler Hotel enterprises to name just a few. Whenever a new restaurant opened, Butch was frequently offered a better wage to help launch the new establishment. In fact, he was so respected for his culinary expertise that his peers would often treat him to free meals when he visited their establishments.

In addition to his culinary work, Butch owned and operated A1 Small Engine Repair and Sales and A1 Bicycle Repair and Sales, where he enjoyed helping others through his mechanical skills and expertise. Music was another passion in his life, and he seemed to have a special talent for winning concert tickets. Above all, Butch loved riding motorcycles. From tearing up the trails on his dirt bike as a teenager to cruisin' the open road on his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, riding was one of life's greatest joys for him. He loved the freedom, adventure, and camaraderie that came with life on two wheels. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, generous nature, sense of humor, and the many friendships he built throughout his life.

He is survived by his son, Nicholas Nelson and fiancé, Kristin; his siblings, Denise (Nelson) Morris and David Nelson; his former wife, Charlotte (Hanenberger) Nelson; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dennis Waldo Nelson, Sr. and Dorothy Helen (Broten) Hudson; his sisters, Deanna Nelson, Doreen Nelson, and Darcy (Nelson) Leone; and his brother-in-law, Mike Morris.

A Celebration of Life with breakfast and live music by Finding Salem will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

Butch will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery with a graveside service beginning at 1:00 p.m. The family welcomes everyone to attend and encourages his motorcycle friends to lead the procession leaving the funeral home at 12:30 p.m.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Nelson family. To share a special memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinec.com.