Jerome Nelson of Newfolden, MN passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND with his loving family by his side.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 starting at 5:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service at the Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden and also one hour prior to the service on Sunday. The funeral service to celebrate Jerome’s life will be held 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at the Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden, MN with Pastor Gary Barrett officiating. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 427 and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.
Jerome Wayne Nelson was born September 24, 1947 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Nels Conrad and Bertina Caroline (Strand) Nelson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden, MN.
Jerome attended school in Newfolden, MN graduating with the class of 1965. Following high school, Jerome worked for Schenkey Construction and later for Landsiedel Construction in Glenwood, MN.
On August 22, 1967, Jerome entered into service with the United States Army at Fargo, ND. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. He did an extended tour in Vietnam for 14 months and was involved during the Tet Offensive. He was a forward observer assigned to Co B 3rd Bn 82nd Artillery. Jerome was Honorably Discharged on March 26, 1969 and he returned to work at Landsiedel Construction along with two of his brothers.
At a basketball game in 1971, Jerome met the love of his life, Patricia Rae Wilcox. On January 27, 1973 the couple were married at the Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden by Pastor Earl Eveland. The couple made their home on the Nelson Family Farm. To this union two children were born, Steven and Jill.
In 1976, Jerome went to work at Thygeson Construction in Thief River Falls, MN. In October of 1984, Jerome went to work for the city of Newfolden. He was Director of Public Works and over the years was presented with many water quality awards. The awards were presented by the governor of Minnesota. Jerome retired on August 31, 2017 and continued to assist the city with snow removal.
Jerome loved cutting wood, drinking coffee, dancing with his wife, fishing, deer hunting, and loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. Jerome and Patty enjoyed many family vacations with their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed visiting with his family and friends and especially enjoyed spending time out with his loving wife!
He enjoyed attending the Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden and was a member of the Newfolden American Legion Post 427.
Jerome was a very kind, patient, soft-spoken man who would do anything to help anybody. He was very handy and could fix almost anything after thinking it through with a cup of coffee.
Survivors include his wife, Patty of Newfolden; children, Steve (Amanda) Nelson of Oklee, MN and Jill (Jason) Edin of Newfolden; 9 grandchildren, Thomas, Maverick, Avery, Davis, Trey, Storm, Sunny, Shylo, and Shadi; siblings, Joan Roppe, Marian Peterson, Janice (William) Olson, Vernon (Sheila) Nelson, Gary (Karen) Nelson; sisters-in-law, Peggy (Vernon) Gunderson, Jamie (Mike) Distel, Julie (Corey) Skjerven, Tami Wilcox; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Marvin (Avis) Nelson and Deloris (Albin) Holten; brothers-in-law, Wallace Roppe, Arnold Peterson and David Wilcox.
Condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
