Alfred "Al Cuffy" D. Nelson

Alfred Al Cuffy D. Nelson, age 90, of Rochester, died on Tuesday, March 15, 2017, at Rochester Health Services West. The memorial service will be at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 20, 2017, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester. The visitation will be from 3:00 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 19, 2017, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. The inurnment will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at Preston State Cemetery with military honors. Alfred Donald Nelson was born on May 10, 1926, in Mabel, MN to Adolph and Doris (Rank) Nelson. He attended Storlie schools and graduated from Mabel High School in 1945. He entered into the U.S Army on June 19, 1946, and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged on December 10, 1946. Al returned home to Minnesota to farm. On November 22, 1947, he married Opal Opsahl in Spring Grove, MN. They moved to Rochester in 1956. Al and his brothers started Glenn Tile Service in Rochester and worked there for many years. He later started his own business, Als Ceramic Tile. Al and Opal enjoyed traveling to 12 countries including, Europe, Mexico, and Hawaii. He enjoyed golfing and hunting with his sons. Al also enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and everything nature. His favorite games were cribbage, poker especially 2s and 3s and scratch off tickets. Al made friends wherever he went. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Al was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for 60 years, the Elks Club, Sons of Norway and the VFW. Al is survived by his wife, Opal; sons, Donald Nelson of Montgomery, TX and Dan (Debbie) Nelson of Rochester; grandchildren, Jason Nelson, Heather (Scott) Berg, Nichole (Rob) Easthouse and Michelle (Jason) Manning; great-grandchildren, Collin, Logan, Kendall, Hunter, Landon, Hailey, Bennett and Olivia; siblings, Arnold (Doris) Nelson of Rochester, Stella Schuda of Onalaska, WI, Milfred (Joan) of Decorah, IA and Ada (Ray) Kjos of Rushford, Dorie (Jerry) Thrall of Golden Valley and Mervin Nelson of Mabel; many nieces and nephews. Al was preceded in death by his brothers, William, Melvin, Lorn, Alvin and Leland Nelson; sisters, Viola Chesley and Alice Christopherson; daughters-in-law, Chris Nelson and Denise Nelson. Memorials are preferred to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or Mayo Hospice. The family would like to thank Mayo Hospice for their wonderful and caring staff. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com