Ragnar S. Nelson

Ragnar Sylvester Nelson, 97, died October 21, 2015 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, IA with his family by his side. Ragnar was born in Scandia, (Vasa) MN on February 4, 1918, the second child out of five born to Reuben William Ferdinand Nelson and Ida Beata (Swenson) Nelson. The Nelsons moved within the Scandia area a couple of times before settling on a farm north of town.Ragnar was confirmed at Elim Lutheran Church, Scandia in 1933. He attended school at Vasa and then Hay Lake until the 8th grade. From 1936-37 Ragnar attended the School of Agriculture, at the University of Minnesota, living on the University farm school campus. Returning to Scandia, he farmed with his father until 1944 when he enlisted in the US Army, after having been deferred for farm work. He served in WWII from 1944-45 and duty took him to Europe, where he saw action in France, Germany, Belgium and Czechoslovakia. After the war, he again returned home to Scandia. Ragnar started work at Andersen Windows in Bayport, MN and was there until August 1955.In March of 1954 he bought a farm west of Rochester, MN and on June 25, 1955 he married Audrey Jacobson at Bethel Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. They lived on the farm for 17 years, before moving into town/Byron, MN.Ragnar worked at Crenlo, in Rochester, from 1961-1983.Upon retirement, he and his wife traveled the world taking many trips with a special group of friends. He enjoyed the familys cabin on Mille Lacs Lake, where fishing and card games with the neighbors were plentiful. Other hobbies included woodworking, enjoying a good Lutefisk church supper and gardening. After his wife of 59 years passed in 2014, Ragnar moved to Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Waukon, IA to be closer to family. He had a great sense of humor and showed kindness throughout his life and was adored by all who met him. He especially treasured his friendships and welcomed new ones daily. Ragnar was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey Nelson; his parents; brother Norman; two sisters, Maldena Dena Dorma and Ellen Peterson; three brother-in-laws; Hubert Dorma, Gottfrid Peterson and Earl Sausen.Ragnar is survived by his daughters; Karen (Brian) Westby of Decorah, IA, Lori Nelson of Rochester, MN, and Paula (Marty) Blair of Baton Rouge, LA; grandchildren, Conner Westby, Kaijsa (Zachary) Albertson, Dawson Blair and Jason Blair; great-granddaughter, Evelyn Albertson; sister, Jeanette Sausen and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2015 at Christ Lutheran Church 201 Frontage Road NW Byron, MN. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN. and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.Interment will be at Elim Lutheran Church Cemetery in Scandia, MN.