Vernon R. Nelsen

Vernon R. Nelsen, 71, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday March 9, 2016. No formal service is planned, but friends and family are invited to share food and fellowship on Saturday March 19, 2016 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Byron United Methodist Church fellowship hall at 503 First Avenue NW, Byron. Vern was born in Rochester, MN on January 4, 1945 to Floyd and Lois (Bond) Nelsen of Byron. He grew up on the family farm. In 1962, he graduated from Byron High School. He went on to attend Rochester Junior College and Mankato State University. On September 4, 1965, he married Anita Larsen of rural Mantorville. They recently celebrated their Golden Anniversary. They raised 3 children, also on the family farm. Vern worked for IBM for 11 years before leaving to pursue a career in construction. Over the next 35 years, he worked for various companies including Road Constructors, Progressive Building Movers, Art Friedrich Construction, and Brooks Excavating. He left construction to work for Arnold's Supply at Schmidt Printing until his retirement in 2010. Vern was a hardworking man with a big heart. He would do anything for anybody. He loved to joke around and had a lively sense of humor even throughout his battle with illness. He loved all sports, playing football and basketball growing up. He loved to grill and smoke meat on his roaster, and spend time with family and friends. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes, taking several fishing trips throughout his life. In later years, Vern and Anita managed to travel to several places, including Washington DC, Branson, Missouri, and taking an Alaskan cruise. Survivors include- wife Anita, son Brian Nelsen (Karen Nehring) of West Concord, daughters Dianna (Chad) Squires of Albert Lea, Michelle Nelsen of Springfield, Virginia, grandson Stephen Squires, and sister Patricia Nelsen of Byron. He was preceded in death by his parents, and granddaughters Stephanie Leaman and Nicole Pool. A special thanks to the staff at Season's Hospice for the loving care they provided to make his last weeks more comfortable.