Dennis Wayne Nelson, 75, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at his residence in Waltham, Minnesota.

Dennis was born Jan. 3, 1942, in Hartley, Iowa, to William and Ruth (Steuck) Nelson, the oldest of two children. He graduated from Hayfield High School in 1960.

On Aug. 8, 1964, Dennis married Diane Marie Fairbank in Hayfield at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Dennis served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966 and was deployed to Vietnam during his tour of duty. Following his honorable discharge, Dennis returned home and began his 37-year career as a rural mail carrier. He also did custom farming in the local area.

Dennis was the commander for the VFW Post 1216 in Austin, Minnesota for five straight years, and will be remembered for his dedication to the VFW. Dennis loved living on the farm, and enjoyed having an active part working along with his children in their sheep projects in both 4-H and FFA. He enjoyed his weekends camping and fishing while spending time with family by the water. Dennis also enjoyed the mini-reunions with his “Class of 60.”

He is survived by his wife Diane; children, Troy (Lisa) Nelson of Austin, Terri (Roger) Kuhlman of Kasson, Minnesota, Todd (Kevin Scott) Nelson of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Toni (Sean) Stenberg of Stewartville Minnesota; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Vicki (Lowell) Steen; and beloved dog Sam. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents in 2014.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. on April 15, 2017 at the Austin VFW Post 1216 (300 Fourth Ave. NE). The Nelson family will greet friends prior to the service from noon to 1 p.m. at the VFW Hall. Military honors will be rendered following the service at VFW  Post 1216. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dennis’s memory are preferred to recipient of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.