Roger L. Nelson

1932 - 2025

Roger Leroy Nelson, much loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the age of 92.

Roger was born on December 13, 1932 on the Nelson family farm just south of North Branch, Minnesota to Albert and Elveda Nelson. Roger had one sister, Merriam and four brothers, Harley, Frank, Harold and Delano.

Roger lived his entire life in North Branch. His first job as a boy was setting pins, by hand in the main street bowling alley. He was lured away from there by Harold Larson to work at Larson's Super Market, just a door down from the bowling alley. He worked for Harold for many years until Harold passed away. At that point, Roger purchased the store from Harold's widow, Marie. He promptly decided to build his own modern supermarket and in the spring of 1968, Nelson's Country Market opened for business.

In 1949, Roger and Pat Klund started a relationship...a relationship that would last for over 70 years. Roger and Pat were married on August 22, 1953. Roger was in the Army, stationed at Fort Belvoir in Virginia where he played his trumpet in the Army Band. During the 18 months he was stationed there, Roger and Pat welcomed their first child, Randall Lee Nelson.

After his honorable discharge, Roger and Pat returned to North Branch and moved into their first of four homes in North Branch. During this time, their two daughters were born, Jana Marie Nelson (Davidso) and Tami Jo Nelson (Grams).

Roger worked many years running his grocery store and eventually owned other North Branch businesses, a laundromat, Nelson's Quik Clean and a local variety store, Nelson's Variety.

Roger was extremely involved with the American Legion in North Branch, playing "Taps" at all the military funerals in the area up until he was 90 years old. He also opened the Almelund Threshing Show by playing our "National Anthem" each day for many years. He was very proud of his extensive collection of the Threshing Show hats and pins. Roger and Pat had the opportunity to travel extensively experiencing foreign cultures and they particularly enjoyed cruising and Las Vegas.

Roger had a deep faith and was a long time member of the Methodist Church in North Branch. He was well known for playing his trumpet at several area churches. Roger played his trumpet in the St. Croix Valley Orchestra for many years, many times being their featured soloist.

Roger and Pat were inseparable throughout their long marriage, providing a lasting example to their family and all who knew them.

Roger got great joy from his three children, 11 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Shannon Nelson along with their six children and eight grandchildren; his daughter and son-in-law, Jana and Larry Davidson along with their three children and nine grandchildren and his daughter and son-in-law, Tami and Jeff Grams along with their two children and seven grandchildren.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Harris Covenant Church in Harris with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Interment followed the service at Oak Hill Cemetery in North Branch with military honors provided by the North Branch American Legion.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Branch. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com.