Robert Leslie Nelson

FUNERAL SERVICES : 2:00 P.M Friday, April 24, 2009 at the Sebeka United Methodist Church with Rev. Loren Ferch officiatingVISITATION : one hour prior to the services at the church.INTERMENT : Hay Creek Cemetery in the Nelson family plot.SURVIVORS : Robert will be lovingly remembered by his brother: Richard "Sharkey" (Jaccie) Nelson of Sebeka; two nieces: Adrienne and Whitney both at home near Sebeka; Lynette Burgau, of Circle Pines, MN; Dorothy Knaub of Spokane, WA; as well as numerous other relatives and many friends. ROBERT LESLIE NELSON October 24, 1947 ~ April 19, 2009 Robert Leslie Nelson, age 61 of rural Sebeka, MN, passed away unexpectedly at his home southwest of Sebeka on Sunday, April 19, 2009. Bob was born on October 24, 1947 at the Wesley Hospital in Wadena, MN to Wilbert and Janetta (Schmitz) Nelson. He attended the Sebeka Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1966. That night, just after his high school graduation, Bob left for San Diego, CA to begin his military training. He served his country in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in 1970. Bob was united in marriage to Dorothy Knaub on May 4, 1968 and the couple made their home in Spokane, WA for two years. While in Spokane, Bob worked as a postal carrier and did some carpentry work on the side. In 1974 the Bob and Dorothy moved to Minneapolis, MN where Bob gained employment with Northwest Airlines for five years. Bob remained in Minnesota to be closer to his family while Dorothy had the need to return to Washington. Their union ended amicably. In 1982 Robert met Lynette Burgau with whom he found companionship for the next 25 years. The couple made their home in Circle Pines, MN where Bob worked as a truck driver and also did construction. In 2008 Robert and Lynette went their separate ways. Bob began spending winters in Carlsbad, New Mexico with his good friend, Arnold Granroth. Each summer he returned to his home near Sebeka. He had returned to Minnesota just weeks prior to his untimely death. Bob enjoyed playing guitar with his brother Ron and Butch Schwartz. Each year he looked forward to the fishing derby at Uncle Tom"s cabin. But most of all he loved the moments he spent with his beloved nieces. Robert will be lovingly remembered by his brother: Richard "Sharkey" (Jaccie) Nelson of Sebeka; two nieces: Adrienne and Whitney both at home near Sebeka; Lynette Burgau, of Circle Pines, MN; Dorothy Knaub of Spokane, WA; as well as numerous other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronald and his niece, Jessica. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M Friday, April 24, 2009 at the Sebeka United Methodist Church with Rev. Loren Ferch officiating. Jayne Koskiniemi will be the organist. The congregational hymns will be: "Amazing Grace" and "On Eagle"s Wings". A special musical tribute will be "Go Rest High On That Mountain". The Honorary casket bearers will be: his nieces; Adrienne Nelson, Whitney Nelson and the late Jessica Nelson; and his friends: Steve Limanen, Stan Limanen, Ron Hotakainen, Dan Beach, Bob Dalano, and Bob Mathews. Interment will be made in the Hay Creek Cemetery in the Nelson family plot. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the Sebeka United Methodist Church. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #456 of Sebeka, MN. The Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home serving Sebeka and Menahga is in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences please visit www.cardinipearson.com.