Robert E. Nelson

Robert E. Nelson, 87, of Greenbush, MN, died Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in Altru Hospital at Grand Forks, ND.

Robert E. Nelson was born on March 11, 1929 in Thief River Falls, MN. He grew up and attended school in Barnett Township, rural Greenbush, MN.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, advancing to the rank of Corporal. After discharge he returned to the farm. He married Eva Bulow on August 7, 1954 at Miles City, Montana. He also worked in the woods near Birchdale, MN for a few years. Then returned to the Greenbush area. Bob was employed at Polaris Industries at Roseau, MN for 29 years, retiring in 1992. He continued to live on the farm until they moved into Greenbush in 2014.

Bob’s favorite pastimes were searching family histories, mapping cemeteries and playing his guitar. He especially enjoyed visiting with family and friends. His family teased him that he could sit on a bench in the desert, and before you knew it he would have a group of people gathered around him visiting.

Survived by: Wife of over 62 years: Eva.

Their children—Robert Nelson of Greenbush, Renae Novacek of Greenbush, Roxann (Nolan) Kjos of Greenbush, Rochell (Mike) Klegstad of Greenbush and Ross (Mary) Nelson of Roseau.

11 Grandchildren—Amber Clark of Greenbush, Erin (Chad) Przekwas of Greenbush, Owen Nelson of Warroad, Lance (Julie) Novacek of Roseau, Levi (Teall) Novacek of Roseau, Kyle (Amanda) Kjos of Greenbush, Kenny (Kristy) Kjos of Greenbush, Dane (Valerie) Hanson of Severance, Colorado, Alaura Klegstad of Grand Forks, ND, Jarrett Nelson of Roseau and Kaden Nelson of Roseau.

16 Great-grandchildren—Tanner, Teyton, Asher, Austin, Blair, Isabella, Ella, Eva, Ean, Reese, Cash, Mia, Kein, Carter, Hannah and Briella.

Siblings—Jean (Harry) Pederson, Robert Jones, Maxine McEldorwney, Donavon Foss, Marianne Anderson, Mary McCann, and Glenn (Becky) Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents—Hilda Foss & Max Jones, Great-granddaughter—Afton Clark, Uncle Melvin Nelson, Aunt Myrtle Olson and brother Robert Jones.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, January 23 at 7 PM in United Free Lutheran Church of Greenbush with Pastor LeRoy Petersen, officiating and with Military Honors being provided by Moen-Zimek Post 88, American Legion of Greenbush. Shantel Knudsvig was the pianist and vocal music was provided by Jody Kirkeide. Mike Korczak was the Reader. The Pallbearers were his eight grandsons and the Honorary Pallbearers were his three granddaughters.

Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Greenbush in the springtime.

Arrangements are with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush.