Norman David Nelson

The funeral service for Norman can be accessed by the following link: https://youtu.be/hAMFrMohNGg. The funeral service for Norman Nelson, 78, of Cottonwood will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2020, at Christ Lutheran Church in Cottonwood. A walk through visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to the service on Monday. The funeral service will be recorded and available for viewing at the funeral home website. Masks are required at all indoor events and social distancing guidelines must be followed. Norman David Nelson was born on August 28, 1942, in Montevideo, MN, to Wilbur and Thilda (Anderson) Nelson. He grew up on the family farm near Cottonwood and graduated from Cottonwood High School. Norman attended Augustana College for a year, then received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from the University of Minnesota. On January 13, 1968, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ford. Norman was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to raise his family on his four generation century farm. Norman also worked for Norcraft in Cottonwood. Norman was very active in his community. He served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Christ Lutheran Church, he served on the local School Board, and he was an avid Lakeview Laker fan. Norman also served as the unofficial groundskeeper at the Nelson Louwagie farm. He was meticulous about his yard and enjoyed providing this care. He was social and enjoyed visiting with people. Norman was especially passionate about his family. He enjoyed family gatherings and following his grandchildren’s activities. After a lengthy battle with lung disease, Norman has begun the best new life anyone could ask for. He passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at the Avera Regional Medical Center in Marshall. He is survived by his daughter Deb (and Dale) Louwagie of Cottonwood, son David Nelson (and fiancé Marcy) of Marshall, grandchildren Tristin (and Cody) Rykhus of Cottonwood, Jacob (and Kailey) Louwagie of Cottonwood, great grandson Kason Rykhus and two great-grandchildren expected soon. Also survived by his sister Marie Nelson of Marshall and brother Elton Nelson of Germantown, MD, in-laws Steve (and Lorraine) Ford of Washington, Jim (and Elaine) Ford of Oregon, Rindi (and Roddy) Baze of Washington, Ken (and Sue) Ford of Washington, Sharon Ford of Washington, beloved pets Bailey and Nova, nieces, nephews, relatives and very special friend Allie Enga of Cottonwood. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley, in-laws Woodrow and Lula Ford and brother-in-law Joe Ford.