Walter Fred Nelson

Walter Fred Nelson, age 89, of New York Mills, MN entered eternity on Sunday, November 8, 2015 with his loved ones by his side at the Perham Health Hospital in Perham, MN. Walter was born on September 24, 1926 in Utica, NE to Fred and Augusta (Zielke) Nelson as the youngest of their nine children. It was in this same area that he attended country school and grew into manhood. He engaged in crop farming as a young man on the family farm. On November 4, 1948 Walter was united in marriage to Verona Serr in Lincoln, NE. This union was blessed with a son, Jerry and four daughters: Jean, Judy, Julene and Jolene. In 1966, the young family ventured north and purchased a farm in northern MN near New York Mills, MN where they ran a dairy farm. Walter enjoyed farm life. He worked hard in transforming the rugged land into a productive farm. Walter took great pride in breeding and developing a fine herd of Holstein dairy cattle. He retired from the active operation of his farm in the early 1990's. For many years he enjoyed traveling with his son, Jerry and grandsons to the Rollag Steam Threshers Reunion. Above all, Walter loved his wife and family with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Verona of Park Rapids; his son, Jerry (Kathy) Nelson of Menahga; his four daughters: Jean (Ron) Genoch of Menahga, Judy Fischer of New York Mills, MN, Julene (Paul) Reichling of Park Rapids and Jolene (Monte) Goeson of Butler, MN; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren and twelve great-great grandchildren; one sister, Florence Hoover of Omaha, NE as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings. Funeral Services will be held 1 PM Thursday, November 12, 2015 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with Bruce Van Stelton and Shay Neumann officiating. Nita Steinbrecher will be the organist. The casket bearers will be his grandsons: Wayne Nelson, Brent Nelson, Bradley Nelson, Ross Genoch, Jack Nelson, Rick Vandermay, Derek Reichling, Andy Goeson and Jared Goeson. The honorary casket bearers will be his granddaughters: Brenda Teberg, Cheryl Genoch, Kristi Kern and Vanessa Hietala. Interment will be made in the Hillview Cemetery west of Menahga, MN. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and for one l hour prior to the service. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.