EUGENE W. NELSON

Eugene "Gene" Nelson, a gifted photographer and devoted family man whose life was rooted in hard work, creativity, and community, passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday, December 6, 2025. His remarkable 35-year career in photography and his lifelong commitment to family and community leave a legacy that will be cherished for generations.

Born in Baudette, Minnesota, Gene grew up surrounded by the values of resilience and family that shaped his life. He left home at age 19 and went to the Gale Institute in Minneapolis to study telegraphy. After completing his training, he moved to Indiana to work for the Monon Railroad and returned to Minnesota in 1960 to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad. Gene changed course to attend the University of Minnesota for the next five years, earning a bachelor's degree and some master's credits in education (industrial arts). He discovered a love for storytelling early on and never taught, as his minor in photojournalism was to take precedence from then on. While in school, Gene met his forever love, Shirley, on a blind date and they married in 1964.

From 1967 through 2002, Gene captured the milestones of countless families across northern Minnesota, photographing grade school students, seniors, sports teams, family portraits, and over 1,500 weddings. Over the years he expanded his business to include studio locations in Milaca, Princeton and St. Cloud, as well. He also had a professional photography lab where he developed not only his own photos but also those of many other professionals. Gene earned statewide recognition for his work including awards at the annual Minnesota Professional Photographers Conventions, where he held all board positions through the years, including president in 1985. More than a photographer, he was a patient teacher, generous mentor, and dedicated member who guided many up-and-coming photographers.

Beyond his career, Gene was a steady and devoted presence at home. He and his wife, Shirley, built a life rooted in love, perseverance, and commitment to their children, Marc' and Michelle, never missing a single game, event, play or concert. Gene and Shirley shared 61 years of marriage together.

Gene also gave generously to his community. He served on the Mora City Council from 1971 to 1975 and was the acting Mayor, championing initiatives that strengthened the place he called home. He served two terms on the school board, was on the Mora Planning Commission, and served on the first economic development committee responsible for building Mora's industrial Park, and the second economic development committee that enlarged the park. People knew him as someone who listened, cared, and always showed up. Gene not only had the artistic creativity of a photographer, but the mind of a businessman which is a unique blend of talent and skill.

Gene will be remembered for his quiet strength, his deep love for family, and his dedication to preserving the most important moments in people's lives. His legacy lives on in the photographs he created, the people he mentored, and the family he cherished. Upon retirement, he and Shirley spent many years down in AZ for the winter and back to MN in the spring. He also spent 6 years on a project photographing every barn in Kanabec County and publishing a book to both show the pictures and tell the stories.

Gene is survived by his wife, Shirley; children: Marc' (Heidi) and Michelle (Rob); and their seven grandchildren: Kaylee (Max), Courtney, Hayden (O'Shanna), Evan, Justin; and three great grandchildren: Brinley, Hudson, and Kinsley.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Mora with Pastor Michael Rue and Pastor Gary Shaw officiating.

Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 am.

Inurnment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Mora.

Following the service, loved ones will gather to honor Gene's life, legacy, and the indelible mark he left on his community.