Jerald Raymond Nelson

Jerald Raymond Nelson, 89, of Aitkin died Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Rivers Edge Assisted Living in Aitkin.  He was born January 29, 1932 in Aitkin to Harry and Myrtle (Peterson) Nelson.  He graduated from Aitkin High School in 1950.  After graduation he enlisted in to the U.S. Army from September 10, 1952 and was honorably discharged June 30, 1954.  He was a veteran of the Korean War.  Jerald was united in marriage to Leona Minnie (Loken) May 16, 1958 in Aitkin.  He worked road construction for many years and was a member of the local 49rs union.  In 1971 He was the guide for Governor Wendell R. Anderson  during the fishing opener on Farm Island Lake.  Jerald was an avid fisherman, he enjoyed hunting, woodworking, playing bingo, bird watching, and being outdoors.  He especially enjoyed “decking the halls” at Christmas time and made pretty good Rosettes. He was a proud 60 year member of the Aitkin American Legion Post #86 and was also a member of the Aitkin VFW Post # 1727

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Myrtle Nelson, step-mother: Florence Nelson, wife Leona Nelson on October 27, 1995, sister Marilyn Hollister, brothers: Harry, Jr., Jack, and Richard.

Jerald is survived by his daughter: Virginia “Ginger” (Scott) Okeson of Aitkin;

Step-son: Michael Ernst of Saint Cloud;

Brothers: Vernon Nelson of Aitkin, Roger Nelson of Blaine,

and Burton (Krista) Nelson of Northwood, ND.;

Sister-n-law: Janine (Chuck) Rathbone of Silver Bay;

And many other special relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00pm – Wednesday, December 22, 2021  at Sorensen-Root Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin. Pastor Rebecca Hinz will officiate.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Forest Cemetery.  Military Honors will be accorded by Aitkin American Legion Post # 86 and Aitkin VFW post # 1727.  Go to www.srtfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerald Raymond Nelson, please visit our floral store.