Norbert John Nelson, 92

Published 9:00 am Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Norbert John Nelson, 92

Norbert John Nelson, 92, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 13, 2017.

Norb was born on the family farm in the beautiful bluff country of southeast Minnesota to Emma Sanden Nelson and Nels J. Nelson on Oct. 2, 1924. After graduating from Houston High School, he spent one year at Luther College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He saw extensive action in the South Pacific, taking part in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Following his service, Norb completed college at Luther and began his teaching career. In August 1952, he and Mary Lou Lindahl were married at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Three children were born to this union: Kimberly, Kirby, and Kris. Norb earned his master’s degree at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, in 1959. His career of teaching physics and other sciences spanned 30 years and included Austin High School, Austin Community College, and Mayo High School in Rochester, Minnesota.

Preceding him in death were his parents and four sisters, Carola, Jewel, Audrey, and Florence. Surviving him are his wife of 64 years, Mary Lou; their children, Kim Nelson Brown, Kirby Nelson and wife Marian, and Kris Nelson and wife Andrea. Norb is also survived by four grandsons, Kristopher Nelson and wife Kate, Nicholas Nelson and wife Iris, Ian Brown, and Nelson Brown; brother-in-law, David Lindahl and wife Grace; and several loving nieces, nephews, many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Norbert Nelson was a quiet, thoughtful man with a quick but never hurtful wit. He enjoyed sports, loved reading, and was blessed to travel widely with family and friends. He will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on July 22, 2017, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Todd Portinga officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Austin Post 91 American Legion and Olaf B. Damm Post 1216 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Friends may greet the family for one hour before the service. Any memorials may be designated to Bread for the World, St. Olaf Lutheran Church, or the Austin Public Library.