Mark Daniel Nelson, 77, passed away at home on December 13, 2023. In his final days, Mark was blessed to be surrounded by his family, the amazing staff from Season’s Hospice, and his caring aide, Dora.
Born to Otis and Norma Nelson on September 25,1946, Mark was the eighth child of fifteen and was raised in the Stewartville, MN area. Mark graduated from Stewartville High School in 1964 and was drafted into the United States Army in December of 1965 and served two years before his Honorable Discharge in December of 1967. On October 10, 1970, he married Susan Severson in Rock Dell. They later divorced. After 38 years together, he married Shirly Larsen on September 22, 2021 at their home they built in 2012.
Mark farmed from 1970 to 2012 starting on acreage in Simpson and then moving out to the farm on County Road 6 outside of Stewartville. The farm on County Road 6 was a frequent gathering spot for Nelson Reunions, Stewartville Wrestling picnics and numerous other fun events over the years much to Mark’s delight! In addition to his farming, he worked at Crenlo for thirty two years and then Mayo Clinic for seven years before finally retiring in 2012.
Mark was a kind and soft-hearted person who enjoyed his family, time at the “picnic area” back in the days, antiquing, Maytag motors, and loved following his grandkids with their various activities. He was a large part of the Stewartville Wrestling Booster Club for many years and had a passion for the sport until the end. He was known as quite a prankster and one you could never quite take seriously. He loved tinkering in his shed and always had some toys he was “fixing up” for the grandkids (or so he said).
Mark is survived by his wife, Shirly; sons and daughter-in-laws Chad and Julie Nelson of Dover; Kyle and Laura Larsen of Byron; and daughter and son-in-law Katie and Dom Kellen of Eyota; his grandchildren, Madison, Michael and Malia Nelson; Lilly, Elina and Lizzy Larsen; Zakary, Brodie and Cooper Kellen. He is survived by three brothers, Tom (Darlene), Steve (Debra) and Eric and four sisters, Karen Bush, Ruth Johnson, Sarah Thorpe (Kevin), Christine Wilson; sister-in-laws LeeAnn Nelson, Marie Nelson. and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim, Otis “Henry”, David, Peter; sisters Marilyn O’Connell, Nancy Scantlin, Alice Giefer; brother-in-laws, Eddie O’Connell, Dave Scantlin, Les Bush, Wayne Giefer, and Jerry Johnson.
Mark’s family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 6th at the Eagles Club located at 917 15th Ave SE in Rochester, MN from 3-6PM.
Donations in Mark’s name will be made to Stewartville and Eyota Wrestling Booster Clubs.
Memories and condolences of Mark may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
My prayers are with the family and friends on the chapter that they will be taking.
Mark and I worked together at Crenlo for many years. Mark was a true credit to Crenlo and was a responsible and respected leader. My deepest sympathies to Shirly and family.
Sincere sympathy to Shirley and all of Mark’s family.
“Oh, the times we had!!
To the family of Mark,
I worked with Mark at Mayo Medical Labs during his tenure at Mayo. He was always a dependable and dedicated person to the tasks at hand. I thoroughly enjoyed and respected Mark as a person and an employee. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. Hold the fond memories of Mark close to your heart.
Jeff Wills
Chad and Julie,
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you guys….thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family.
My deepest condolences to the entire Nelson family.
Mark and I were very close in high school and had lots of fun together.
Dave Marsh