Gordon "Gordy" Nelson

Gordon Lowell Nelson “Gordy”, 86, of Albert Lea, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at his home with his family by his side.

A visitation begins at 10:00AM with the funeral service held at 11:00AM on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services. His burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Albert Lea American Legion, the Albert Lea VFW, and the American Legion Riders. Casual dress, especially Harley-Davidson attire, is encouraged. The service will be livestreamed.

Gordy was born on September 12, 1937, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He attended Albert Lea High School and later enlisted in the military. A proud veteran, Gordy served as a Corporal in the US Marines Corps. He then served 4 years in the reserves. Marrying the love of his life, LouJean (Thompson) Nelson on September 6, 1958, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle, MN. 

Gordy worked for Streater Store Fixtures from 1960-1998. His dedication to his work as a truck driver and later as foreman of the drivers was truly admirable. He was very proud of his crew of drivers and spoke highly of them throughout his last days. He formed many life-long friendships from his time at Streater. Throughout his life, Gordy found joy in various hobbies such as hunting, fishing, golfing, and bowling. He also loved woodworking, leatherworking & could fix almost anything that needed fixing. Gordy & LouJean enjoyed many years at their Borden Lake camp property near Garrison, MN. He also enjoyed sitting around the campfire anytime he could.

He had a passion for motorcycles since the age of 5 and spent 33 memorable years riding with LouJean through the hills of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The family knew to not make any plans around the first full week of August! He was an original member of Falcon Motorcycle Club. He also was a long-time member of the American Motorcycle Association and H.O.G.

Gordon was a respected member of the Albert Lea community, actively involved in organizations such as the Albert Lea Eagles FOE 2258 & Ducks Unlimited. His presence and contributions will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Those left to cherish Gordy’s memory include his wife of 65 years, LouJean; daughters, Rhonda (James) Jensen, Julie Patino, Susan (Brad) Walters, Brenda (Vinnie) Madson; 14 grandchildren, Nicole, Travis, Sabrina, Jennifer, Carlos, Kristin, Joy, Joshua, Rebekah, Justin, Matt, Whitney, Amanda, and Makayla; 19 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; nine “grand-pets”; brothers-in-law, Judean “Geno” (Carol) Thompson, Gary (Sandy) Thompson, and Jerome “JB” (Jen) Thompson; a sister-in-law, Hertha Steckleberg; many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

In addition to his parents, Vernel and Fern Nelson, Gordy was preceded in death by a sister, Marilyn Thomas and her husband, Jean; a brother, Kermit Vincent; paternal grandparents, Oliver and Mabel Nelson; maternal grandparents, Nelson and Mary Hutchins; his parents-in-law, Jewell and Lillian Thompson; a sister-in-law, Helen Thompson; a brother-in-law, Denny Steckleberg; two great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, Lady. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, the Freeborn Co. Humane Society, or the Albert Lea Legion Riders.