LeRoy E. Nelson

LeRoy E. Nelson, age 85 of Grafton ND, passed away on Friday October 10, 2025 at Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton.

LeRoy was born on January 5, 1940, in Grafton, ND, to Everett and Stella (Hanson) Nelson. He attended school in Grafton and graduated in 1959. On February 18, 1961, LeRoy was united in marriage to Thelma Watkins at Grafton Lutheran Church. Together, they built a home in Grafton, where they warmly welcomed family, friends, and neighbors, often hosting gatherings — including the annual Fire Department summer picnic. LeRoy loved a good party, enjoyed socializing, and especially liked playing cards, which he fondly referred to as “Bible study — studying the book of Numbers.”

In his early working years, LeRoy farmed with his uncle near Hoople, ND, and worked at Robertsons Lumber in Grafton. However, he was best known for the many years he worked for Grafton Public Schools. He began as a custodian at Chase School, when the new high school was built in 1981, he was promoted to Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for the district. He later retired in November 1996, at the young age of 56.

But for LeRoy, one job was never enough. In addition to his work at the school, he served as the custodian at City Hall, helped Thelma’s uncle farm near Drayton, and assisted at a local funeral home. Even after retirement, LeRoy stayed active—spending summers working for Doug and Kevin Kirkeby, and later mowing for the City of Grafton during his final working years. His strong work ethic was a defining trait, one he proudly passed down to his daughters and grandchildren.

LeRoy was always willing to lend a helping hand and was deeply dedicated to his church and community. He was often seen cooking lutefisk at Park River Bible Camp for the annual lutefisk and meatball dinner, or peeling potatoes for the fall supper at Grafton Lutheran Church. Volunteering came naturally to him, and he was always ready to help however he could. His most notable service was to the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a Lifetime Member. He served as Secretary/ Treasurer for over 40 years. In recognition of his many contributions, LeRoy was honored as Grafton’s Citizen of the Year in 2005.

Anyone driving past his home on East 3rd Street could see how much he loved working with his hands — whether it was tending to his large garden, maintaining his neatly kept yard, or building something new. He took great pride in his garden and loved sharing its bountiful harvest with friends and family.

But most of all, LeRoy was proud of the family he and Thelma built together, starting with their three daughters. The real fun began for LeRoy when those daughters brought son-in-laws into the family. Then came the grandchildren — the first being a girl, to which LeRoy proudly responded, “That’s what I wanted.” She was followed by a boy, and then three more girls. Continuing the trend, LeRoy was later blessed with four great-grandchildren — three girls and one boy.

LeRoy is survived by his daughters: Monica (Chris) Olson, Fargo, ND, Marcia (Chris) Olson, Grafton, ND, and Melinda (Burrell) Nadeau, Andover, MN; his grandchildren: Melissa (Kevin) Hopke, Cory (Melissa) Blanchard, Sydney Will (Tanner McKinnon), Lily Nadeau, and Claire Olson (Alex Ibanez); and his great-grandchildren: Danielle Blanchard, Karla Hopke, Julie Blanchard, and Owen Hopke. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Estad. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Thelma; parents, Everett and Stella Nelson; brother, Bennie Nelson; and father and mother-in-law, Willis and Marion Watkins.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Grafton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department, Grafton Lutheran Church, Landstad Cemetery, or the Lutheran Sunset Home. Interment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery.