Norris Nelson

Norris Jerome Nelson, 90, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

Norris was born in Lanesboro, MN To Ole and Sena (Larson) Nelson on August 9, 1933. He atrtended Grubtown Country School in the highland area and graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1951. He entered the US Army in May 1954 and finished basic training in Missouri before shipping out to Japan. He was honorably discharged in May 1956.

After being discharged he came home and farmed on the family farm with his parents and brother. On October 14, 1961, he married Gloria Thompson at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, MN. They farmed until 1966, when they moved to CA, where Norris worked for Southern CA Edison before returning to MN in 1967. In the fall of 1968, he started work for the City of Rochester (RPU) until retiring in 1998. He was a lifetime member of VFW 1215, Rochester, MN.

Norris and Gloria enjoyed traveling after his retirement, being lucky enough to have seen all 50 states. They traveled to Norway and visited Trondhjem, where his dad came from in 1910, and Fresvik, where Gloria's family came from.

Norris was an avid MN sports fan watching even if they didn't win. Norris loved his family especially his grandkids even if they pulled tricks on Grandpa & Grandma.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gloria; son Todd (Jennifer Kloc) Nelson of Mazeppa, MN; granddaughter Kailey Nelson; grandson Carter Nelson; grandnephews Darren and David (Alyssa) Stockton; great-grandnephew Daniel Stockton; and many nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brothers Rolf & infant Jaymour; sister Sidna (Charles) Stockton; and nephew, Daniel Stockton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Mayo Clinic Hospice for their support and care during this time.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held from 11:00-2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance and Reception Centre (5482 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901). Inurnment will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nelson's memory to Mayo Hospice of Rochester, MN.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Nelson family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com