Robert H. Nelson

Robert "Bob or Bobby" Herman Nelson, age 95, of Owatonna, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Born on July 19, 1930, Bob was one of five children to the late Clarence and Elsie (Dolgner) Nelson of Meriden. He grew up in the Meriden area where he helped construct and build their family home, with his father, on the family farm, which is still in the family. After graduating from Owatonna High School in 1948, Bob enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, serving his country until being honorably discharged. On September 4, 1952, Bob married the love of his life, Arlene Sanborn, at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna and they would spend 67 wonderful years together until her passing in 2020.

Small things made Bob happy and content. It could be fishing, hunting only the naughty animals (according to Arlene), taking rides on his Harley Davidson Knucklehead, or traveling to vacation with his family in Canada, Wyoming, and Colorado, then after retirement with Arlene to several destinations abroad. Bob's family saw the perfectionist side of him as he hired many professionals but would always be there to make sure it was done the right way. His meticulous attention to detail was seen in his woodworking projects and the time he took caring for their lawn. The dedication to his nation brought Bob to be an Owatonna American Legion Member until his passing as well as serve on the Steele County Military Funeral Unit for years until he wasn't able.

Arlene was Bob's entire world, and he admired her to no end. They spent many hours squaring dancing as part of the Steele Steppers. The couple even won a high school dance competition to the Blue Skirt Waltz. Bob enjoyed playing the accordion and did it well, owning a small collection of them.

Bob was a gentle hearted man who lived by the motto " Be honest, humble, and hassle free ". He had passion and love for his family who were blessed to have been able to call him dad, grandpa, brother, and friend.

Bob is survived by his children: Pamela (Mike) Coolidge of Princeton, Douglas of Red Wing, Patty (Clark) Velzke of Owatonna, and Paul (Shelly) of Owatonna; grandchildren: Jason, Jeremy, Maria, Krystyna, Erica, Christopher, Caty, Natalie, Spencer, Lexi, and Lydia; 14 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Glen (Shirley) Nelson and Shirley (Ray) Sobrack; brother-in-law, Norman Buck; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene and his sisters, Joyce Nelson and JoAnn Buck.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be expressed to St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna or the Owatonna American Legion in Bob's memory.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna. A visitation will be held from 9 am until the time of service. Bob will be laid to rest at St. John Cemetery with full military honors and his wife, Arlene.