1944 – Myron Nelson – 2016
A Life Remembered
Myron Nelson was born on March 20, 1944, in Madison, South Dakota, to Muriel and Mabel (Mathison) Nelson. He grew up in Madison and graduated from Madison High School in 1962. He then attended Dakota State University in Madison, graduating in 1966. On December 16, 1966, he and Mary Fors were married in Madison, South Dakota. Following their marriage, they lived in Lake Wilson, Minnesota. Myron was a life-long educator, teaching 34 years at schools in Lake Wilson, Chandler, and Slayton. Following his retirement in 2001, Myron continued to serve as a substitute teacher, which was often a highlight of his week as he loved to interact with the students. During the summer months, Myron worked as a house painter, hanging up his brush in 1996. On August 1, 2009, Myron and Joan Kolander were married in Okabena, MN. Myron passed away on July 10, 2016, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 72. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield, Minnesota. Myron served on the city council of Lake Wilson for over 30 years. He further served the community of Lake Wilson in his roles as a volunteer fire fighter and first responder. Myron served on the board of Hospice of Murray County. He loved to sing – first by praising God in his church choir, as well as performing with the Al Opland Singers in Pipestone, Minnesota, and the Windom Area Chord Hustlers men’s chorus in Windom, Minnesota. He enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, riding his motorcycle, and wood working. Myron loved spending time with his grandchildren and took great pleasure in watching them participate in sporting events and dance recitals, taking them fishing, and treating them to McDonalds. Myron loved kids and making them smile. Myron was a favorite teacher and coach of many students and would often hear “Mr. Nelson!” as he was out and about when former and current students wanted to share a moment with him.
Survivors include his wife Joan Nelson, Okabena; two sons: Mark (Shannon) Nelson, Mitchell, SD, and Cory (Amy) Nelson, Yankton SD; seven grandchildren: Mariah, Chandler, Alec, Accalia, Cole, Ella, and Tylan; two sisters: Marilyn (Julius) Hexom, Madison, SD and Marian (Richard) Riddle, Watertown, SD; two brothers-in-law: Neil (Dori) Fors, Sheboygan, WI and Ken (Terri) Fors, Edmund, OK; two nieces and four nephews. He is also survived by his step-daughter Melissa (Travis) Untiedt; step-son Mark (Kim) Kolander and five step-grandchildren: Kaylan, Ethan, Samantha, Kaia, and Landon. He will be missed by his family and friends.
Myron was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary; father-in-law Henry Reddies; mother-in-law Darlene Reddies; sister-in-law Patricia and beloved pets: Colossus, Winter, and Dodger.
A Celebration of Life Service was held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lakefield, Minnesota, on Monday, July 18, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Andrew Schenstad officiating. Organist was Ardis Mickelson. Arrangements are under the care of LaCanne Family Funeral Service in Windom.
Condolences can be sent online to: HYPERLINK “http://www.lacannefuneralhome.com” www.lacannefuneralhome.com
