Walter Nelson

Nelson, Walter Sidney Age 96 of Minneapolis died peacefully June 19, 2009. Preceded in death by his parents William and Celia Nelson and his sister Viola Riordan and his wife of nearly sixty years Frances Nelson. Walter's father William was an immigrant from Trelleborg Sweden and his mother Celia emigrated from a small village of Hindrum near Trondheim Norway.

Walter was born at home. Home and family life were a central part of his life. The Nelson family ran a series of boarding houses for immigrants in the lively Seven Corners area of Minneapolis. Scandinavian language, laughter and music were part of the daily tempo. Walter was a natural athlete who loved to play all sports but is remembered as a star baseball player.

He graduated from South High School in 1931 and struggled, like many, to find work during the "Great Depression." Walter was a hard and industrious worker at various jobs, sometimes with his father's plumbing business, sometimes as a field hand in far away oil fields or as head of his small candy distributing business. Off and on again he was a semi-professional baseball star playing in small towns throughout the Upper Midwest

Walter's courtship and marriage to Frances Scanlon was an old fashioned love story. As youth they lived just across the street from one another. They married in 1940 and brought home four children to the duplex on 36 ^th Avenue in South Minneapolis. Walter is survived by his children: William (Diane), James (Diane), Richard, Jeanne (William Dennis) El Cerrito CA and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The Nelson family grew up and blossomed in a beautiful home on the tree lined Minnehaha Parkway. Walter's work career bloomed as well in the emerging computer industry at Univac. Walter's strong work ethic and "habit of helpfulness" earned the respect and admiration of coworkers and customers alike. A hectic work schedule was balanced with weekend picnics, memorable family vacations "up north," entertaining friends and some faraway travel.

Over time the partnership of Walter and Frances continued to grow as they entered their golden years. As a team they worked together as avid community volunteers, in hobbies such as gardening, and nurturing grandchildren (Cynthia, Sarah and Kristin) and great grandchildren (Diana, Christopher and Amanda)

After the death of Frances in 2000, it was time to join other like-minded friends at Augustana Apartments and Augustana Church. Never idle, Walter busied himself with church activities and building links with students at the nearby college. With life's work nearly done it was good to pause and enjoy the comradeship of others, many recreational opportunities, participation in the faith community and the satisfaction of a life fully lived.

Thank you to all the medical and caregiving staff of Twin Cities Hospice and Augustana Care Center. He received the highest quality and loving care. Every one who cared for him were touched by Walter's sunny disposition and sense of humor.

Funeral services 1:00 PM, Wednesday, June 24 at Augustana Care Center Chapel, 1007 E. 14 ^th Street, Minneapolis. (parking available in the church parking lot) Visitation one hour before the service at Augustana. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

Bradshaw

3131 Minnehaha Ave. So.

612-724-3621