Vernon Duane Nelson

Vernon Duane Nelson, 83, of Aitkin, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, on Saturday, January 7, 2023.  Vernon was born January 29, 1939 in Aitkin to Harry and Myrtle (Peterson) Nelson.  He was a graduate of Aitkin High School, Class of 1957.  Vern was united in marriage to Patricia Hobbins on January 4, 1957.  After living in Houston, Texas for two years, they moved back to Aitkin and made their home.  Vernon started his career at Aitkin Motors where he was their bookkeeper.  In 1970 he was elected as the Aitkin County Treasurer and held that position for 36 years until his retirement in 2007.  In the late ‘60s, he was appointed Aitkin County Justice of the Peace.  Vern was a long-time member of the Aitkin Fair Board, spending countless hours planning and overseeing the yearly Aitkin County Fair.  In December of 1964, Vernon joined the Aitkin County Volunteer Fire Department and served for 30 years as an active firefighter.  At the time of his death, he was the oldest retired fireman.  Vern also spent many volunteer hours with youth sports, coaching little league and high school football. 

Vernon is survived by his four children Debra (Richard) Zimmerman, Kenneth Nelson, Thomas (Jennifer) Nelson, Paula Weitnauer.  Grandchildren: Anna (Thomas) Garske and Natalie Kruse; Jeremy (Hayley) Nelson, Nicholas Nelson; Patrick (Amy) Nelson, Angela Nelson and Carissa Nelson; Michael (Lauren) Weitnauer.  Great Grandchildren: Luke Zimmerman, Samuel, Madeline and Jackson Kruse; Madison Nelson; Leo and Max Nelson; Scout, Luke and Elise Weitnauer.  He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, grandson Luke Weitnauer, and siblings Marlyn Hollister, Harry, Jack, Richard, and Gerald Nelson.   

Memorial Services will be Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11 AM in St. James Catholic Church, Aitkin with Father Mike Patullo officiating.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Aitkin.  To sign the guestbook online, go to:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Full obituary to follow.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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