Irvin Nelson

Irvin "Punchy" Nelson, 87, West Fargo, ND died on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at his home under the care of his loving family and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Irvin R. Nelson was born on April 29, 1925 to Harry and Mae (Farrel) Nelson at Farmington, MN. At the age of 5, his family moved to Mentor, MN. He left there at the age of 16 and lived with an aunt and uncle in Rochester, MN. While there, he became interested in boxing with the Golden Gloves organization and therefore his nickname "punchy." He entered the US Army in 1943, took his training in Texas and shipped from there to Newport News Virginia. He served in Africa and Anzio, Italy serving as a sergeant and medic. He was honorably discharged in 1946. At the end of WWII, he spent some time in Switzerland and France. He began working at Armour and Co and eventually at Union Stockyards where he worked as a livestock commission man and order buyer for 53 years. He worked part-time at TriState Auto Auction for 4 years. On March 21, 1958, he married Patricia A. Smith in Aberdeen, SD. They lived in Fargo for 3 years and then in West Fargo until his death. His family was a priority and he loved to spend time with all of them. He served as a volunteer fireman in West Fargo for 20 years, a member of the Kings Men at his church and also on the church council and at one time on the West Fargo Citizens Advisory Board. He also enjoyed golf for several years. Irvin and Pat had a cottage at Leek Lake for many years and spent 13 winters in Lake Havasu City, Arizona and 2 years in Florida. Irvin leaves his wife, Patricia; a son, Keith (Dana) Nelson, Enderlin, ND; daughters, Kay (Richard) Hodgson, East Grand Forks, MN and Cathy (Jeff) Hickman, Palm Harbor, FL; brother, DuWayne (Marilyn) Nelson, Kearney, NE; sister, Myrtie Goble, New River, AZ; sister-in-law, Lois Nelson, Sun City West, AZ; 9 grandchildren, Heidi Williams, Josh and Cody Nelson, Heather Zimny, Hope Anderson, Heath Hodgson, Ashley, Megan & Michael Hickman; 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Earl and Gordon; sister-in-law, Donna Mae Nelson; and grandson, Travis. Memorials can be made to Faith Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Red River Valley. Prayer Service: Monday, June 11, 2012 at 7 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo with visitation one hour prior. Memorial Service: Tuesday at 11 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo with visitation one hour prior. Final Resting Place: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo. Condolences may be sent online at westfuneralhome.com