John Nelson

Wm. John Nelson, 91 died on January 24, 2014 at the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton, ND. William John Nelson was born at home in rural Auburn, Walsh County October 23, 1922, to Bennie and Anna Marie (Johnson) Nelson. John grew up and attended school in Grafton, ND. He was united in marriage to Leona Glanner on June 12, 1945 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Minto, ND. John began his working life hauling Coal for PV Elevator in Grafton at age 18 years old. He then a few years later began hauling fuel to farmers during World War II for Hvitsteen Oil Company. His construction career began in 1942 working for Charlie Sieben Construction and learned his Brick Laying and plastering trades. John continued his career by starting his own construction, brick laying and plastering company in the Grafton Area until going to work for Paul Brodeur Construction in 1968. John retired in 1988 after some 26 years with Brodeur Construction in Grafton, ND. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and the Grafton Knights of Columbus as well as the Grafton Eagle's Club. He served on the building committee for the new church. John traveled to northern Minnesota many times to enjoy his hunting and fishing hobbies he loved so much. John spent many hours of his retirement helping others with construction projects and using his woodworking skills to build unique oak wood furniture and special grand children home built toys. John was such a kind and gentle man. He could never say "no" to help others out and others would always say he had a "Heart of Gold". John was a quiet man and he was easy to visit with a great sense of humor when telling jokes. He will be thoroughly missed by his family and friends. John is survived by Leona (Glanner) his loving wife of 68 years, sons Larry (Kathy), Drayton, ND; Lynn (Debbie), Minot, ND and Gregory (Susan), Bloomington, MN and his treasured grand children, Lori, Melanie, Matthew, Jason, Angela and Katelyn, and great grandchildren Shannon, Natalie, Riley and Dylan. Also, John is survived by his brother, Benjamin Nelson and sister, Vivan Braunschweig, both of Vancouver, Washington. He is preceded in death by his parents Bennie and Anna Marie, sister's Alice, Mabel and brother's Norval, Henry, Harold, Melvin, Elmer, Everett and Allen. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 11:30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Minto, ND.